Talmidim of Yeshivas Shar HaTalmud in Pardes Katz are learning that while they first thought they might receive support from Bnei Brak City Hall, from Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, it appears he will not be assisting in their battle to prevent the closure of the yeshiva.

The Roshei Yeshiva understand that while MKs from Degel Hatorah are speaking out strongly against the eviction of the yeshiva, in house, even in Degel Hatorah, it is clear the yeshiva will be moving and there is no preventing it. In fact, they have come to understand it is a matter of time and they can leave willingly or be ousted by force.

Those in the know add the fact that nothing is mentioned in Yated Neeman against the eviction, the lack of media coverage in the Degel-run newspaper speaks volumes; that the political weight carried by Degel is not going to be used in this case.

All hope has not been lost in the yeshiva, and the roshei yeshiva are still hoping the court will issue a temporary injunction delaying what many feel is the inevitable. However, on the other side, it appears City Hall is determined to carry out the court-issued eviction order.

It is reported that HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Silman has become involved, and the rav is seeking a solution. He is trying to use his influence with officials in City Hall, hoping he can swing a miracle. Meetings were held seeking some sort of compromise in the past six months, albeit, unsuccessfully.

What remains certain is the fact that City Hall and the rabbonim do not wish to see a site in which there is violence involving talmidim who resist being ousted when eviction day comes.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)