The storm in Yeshivas Ateret Yisrael continues, as some of the talmidim in the yeshiva still have not been informed where they will be after bein hazmanim, just days before the end of this zman. They are concerned, wishing to know what the situation is regarding the Elul zman. Kikar Shabbos News adds that negotiations have been taking place but many talmidim appear to be leaving for bein hazmanim without a definitive response.

Talmidim have hired an attorney to represent them in their ‘battle’ against the yeshiva.

Readers are reminded the situation surrounds the notification from the yeshiva that the Bayit Vegan, Yerushalayim building must be evacuated within 24 hours, referring to the building serving as a dormitory for talmidim, and this must be done a week before the zman ends. The bochrim however feel that for some, they have not been provided with a solution, pointing out the building has been their home for four years.

In addition, the yeshiva notified talmidim that their belongings which are not removed within a number of days will be thrown out into the gutter, explaining the contractor demands that they vacate immediately and there are no options.

In response, talmidim hired attorney Yehuda Moshayov for a legal perspective on the situation, hoping their personal belongings will not be thrown into the street as the yeshiva threatens will occur. The talmidim sent a letter to the yeshiva administration warning that there will be legal ramifications if the yeshiva takes unilateral measures regarding their property.

In their letter to the administration, they warn that anyone taking the law into their own hand without coordination with the talmidim, such as invasion [of their property], cessation or water and/or electricity and more, constitutes a criminal offense. In addition, if there is no solution offered to the talmidim, they must be given reasonable time to find an alternative solution.

Attorney Moshayov explains that “some of the talmidim have been in the dormitory for years, and they suddenly find themselves being evicted into the streets without warning, without anyone conducting a dialogue with them, specifically Yeshivas Ateret Yisrael, which was a safe haven for them over the years, taking care of their living needs, receiving financial remuneration for this of course, and it is the yeshiva which is demanding they vacate immediately, and worse, threatening to throw out their belongings”.

He adds, “every person has minimal rights, and every person is entitled to a minimum of respect. This includes talmidim in a yeshiva situation, and in this case, they received housing for a monthly fee. It is wrong and unfair to act unilaterally with them, without giving them reasonable time to economize their steps to find alternative housing”.

The yeshiva explains that the building was sold to a contractor, while its officials claimed that the site belonged to a group of buyers from abroad.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)