Israeli Secular Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Ponevezh Yeshiva Dispute

 

Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Ponevezh Yeshiva Dispute: 

Eviction Delayed Until 2027, Millions in Payments Ordered

Israel’s Supreme Court Justice Ofer Grosskopf has issued a binding interim ruling in the long-running dispute over Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, allowing the side of HaGaon HaRav Shmuel R’ Markovitz Shlit”a to remain on the yeshiva premises until August 12, 2027, subject to strict conditions.

Under the ruling, the Markovitz faction must pay 2.5 million NIS, plus VAT and interest, within 30 days, followed by monthly payments of 270,000 NIS for its use and maintenance of the premises.

The court also prohibited the Markovitz faction from using the Ponevezh Yeshiva name, official emblem or logo.

In addition, the existing arrangement dividing the yeshiva’s main hall equally between the two factions, with 300 places each, that will also apply on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

HaRav Markovitz and members of the association’s committee must personally sign a commitment to vacate the premises by the designated deadline.

Any violation of the conditions, including incidents of violence or provocation, could allow the Rav Kahaneman faction to seek an earlier eviction.

*This is a binding interim ruling on a request to suspend enforcement, reached following an agreement between the two sides.*

“It does not constitute the Supreme Court’s final decision on the appeal against the arbitration ruling.”