Israeli Registrar Seeks Dissolution of Yeshiva Association Over Financial Misconduct Suspicions

The Israeli Registrar of Associations has filed a petition with the Haifa District Court to dissolve the Yeshiva and Kollel Even Chaim association, citing ongoing non-cooperation and serious suspicions of financial irregularities. Established in 1987, the association's stated goals include promoting Torah study in the Samaria region, operating a Torah library, supporting returnees to Judaism, distributing religious articles to the needy, and conducting synagogue classes.

The current petition follows a previous 2021 dissolution request after the association failed to cooperate with a thorough audit and did not submit required documents. Although the association eventually provided the documents in 2024, leading to the withdrawal of the earlier petition, the Registrar found new grounds for concern after reviewing the materials. The association was asked for further clarifications and documents but repeatedly failed to comply.

The Registrar alleges a pattern of systematic obstruction that prevents oversight, with suspicions including unauthorized distribution of funds, diversion of money to private individuals unrelated to the association's goals, improper financial management, and inaccurate reporting. There are also doubts about whether the association's institutions function properly or if the organization is active at all in fulfilling its mission.

Due to these unresolved suspicions and lack of cooperation, the Registrar has requested the court to issue a dissolution order. As of now, the court has not ruled on the petition.