Rabbi Meir Faivelzon Rescued From Angry Crowd During Lesson in Modiin Illit

An unusual confrontation took place on Wednesday evening in Modiin Illit during a lesson by Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Faivelzon. Dozens of ultra-Orthodox youths protested against the lesson being held in a private home, leading to physical altercations involving the rabbi and his students. Video footage shows the rabbi being pushed by young men as he tries to leave, with others escorting him to his car. The crowd surrounded the vehicle for over an hour before he was able to depart safely.

Sources familiar with the incident told the Haredi channel Lekatchila that attempts were made prior to the event to prevent the lesson, which had recently been moved from a synagogue building to a private residence. Participants in the lesson claimed that the police did not intervene or disperse the gathering during the incident.

Rabbi Faivelzon, head of the "Petchi Olam" yeshiva, is recognized as a prominent thinker within the Haredi community, known for his teachings on Jewish thought, faith, Bible, and Kabbalah. His views have sparked controversy over the years, drawing criticism from senior rabbis and reports of harassment and threats related to his public activities.