Head of Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Givat Shmuel Warns of Crisis Amid City Dispute

Rabbi Shraga Prochter, head of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Givat Shmuel, sent an unusual letter to parents ahead of the new school year, revealing a serious ongoing dispute between the city municipality and the Bnei Akiva network. He warned that the conflict, which centers on land and building issues rather than educational values, has led to the cessation of summer renovation funding and threatens to cut additional support for students with learning and emotional challenges. Rabbi Prochter emphasized that if the dispute is not resolved immediately, it will have significant financial and educational consequences for the yeshiva, its students, and staff.

In his letter, Rabbi Prochter explained that despite his efforts to avoid involvement in the political dispute and focus solely on education, the lack of municipal support has forced the yeshiva to rely on the Bnei Akiva network’s allocation of 300,000 shekels for summer renovations, with a personal commitment from him to raise an additional 200,000 shekels. He expressed deep personal distress over the situation, stating that his strength is waning as he is compelled to deal with issues unrelated to education.

Rabbi Prochter called on parents to support the yeshiva by helping resolve the conflict and providing necessary resources. He urged all parties involved to set aside their differences and reach an urgent agreement to ensure the yeshiva can operate properly for the benefit of students, staff, and the community. He concluded with a rare and somber warning that if no solution is found by the start of the school year, he will consider his future steps carefully.