Israeli Ministers Reopen Historic Oz VeEmunah Yeshiva Building in South Tel Aviv

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Minister of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Itzhak Vissarloff toured the Oz VeEmunah Yeshiva in the Neve Shaanan neighborhood of South Tel Aviv on Thursday. They unveiled the restored historic building, originally constructed in 1926 as the first structure in the neighborhood, which had been abandoned for many years before being rehabilitated with support from the Ministry of Heritage.

The restoration project was led and funded solely by the Ministry of Heritage, with Minister Vissarloff playing an active role in establishing and supporting the yeshiva since its inception. The yeshiva was founded in 2018 by Rabbi Achiad Ettinger, who was killed in a 2019 terror attack while protecting civilians. Today, the yeshiva operates under the auspices of Bnei David institutions and serves about 70 students and scholars, focusing on strengthening Jewish identity, security, and community belonging in Neve Shaanan.

Minister Eliyahu emphasized the symbolic importance of reviving the historic building as a "cornerstone of Jewish settlement in Tel Aviv," stating that restoring the synagogue into a vibrant study center is a "correct Zionist and Jewish response to the complex social challenges faced by South Tel Aviv residents." He pledged ongoing investment in preserving heritage sites and reinforcing Jewish character in the area, honoring the legacy of Rabbi Ettinger.

Oz VeEmunah CEO Aviad Gazbar noted that while many government ministries visited, only the Ministry of Heritage committed resources to the restoration. The event highlighted the ministry’s dedication to revitalizing South Tel Aviv’s heritage and community resilience.

The ceremony and tour underscored the Israeli government’s efforts to support Jewish institutions and heritage preservation in historically significant but socially challenged neighborhoods of Tel Aviv.