The head of the Gadera Municipal Council denies there the presence of a litvish yeshiva in the municipality – “Let’s talk facts and stop with the fake news” stated the head of the council, Yoel Gamliel, who added, “In Gadera, there is no litvish yeshiva!” However, a video that was taken and released in the media shows quite a different reality.

The story begins with an article that was recently published by Kikar Shabbos News about a new yeshiva which opened in Gadera, headed by HaRav Yaakov Yaakobson. The news led to discussion by some residents of the city. Eventually, the head of the council, Yoav Gamliel, responded, stating that there is no such yeshiva in the city. Gamliel said, “Let’s talk facts and stop the fake news – In Gadera, there is no litvish group! In Gadera, there is no litvish yeshiva! In Gadera, there is no litvish shul!”

Gamliel boldly added, “The recent publication distributed throughout the area is nothing more than fake news intended to divide the community and create sinas chinam”.

However, a video published in the new report shows talmidim, litvish talmidim sitting and learning at 18 Gamliel Street. Some of the talmidim explain there are mixed reviews regarding their presence, as for some residents, a “chareidi is a chareidi, like from Meah Shearim” and they do not understand the talmidim in the yeshiva are moderate normative individuals, who are simply studying Torah without any desire or intention to become involved in the day-to-day lives of residents nor to impact the character of the community.

Nevertheless, there are many fearing the start of the ‘chareidiazation’ of Gadera, which they oppose.

There is also a video which shows Rav Yaakobson and other rabbonim meeting with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, with Rav Yaakobson saying, “Not to fear anything in light of the struggle regarding their presence, the yeshiva will endure and we are here to receive a bracha”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)