Givat Shmuel Mayor Yossi Brodny Responds to Controversy Over Bnei Akiva Yeshiva

Yossi Brodny, mayor of Givat Shmuel, addressed the recent dispute involving the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in the city for the first time on Tuesday. Speaking directly to residents and parents, Brodny outlined the municipality's perspective on the conflict, which centers around a canceled agreement and ongoing legal proceedings between the city and the yeshiva.

Brodny emphasized that his criticisms are not directed at the educational staff, including Rabbi Prochter and the teaching team, but rather at the yeshiva's management. He recalled that when he began his tenure 18 years ago, the yeshiva was in a different state, with only 30 to 40 students, none from Givat Shmuel. He said he worked closely with Rabbi Prochter to transform it into a "home yeshiva" and that the city helped reduce tuition fees, which were previously 12,000 to 14,000 shekels annually, down to about 10,000 shekels.

However, Brodny expressed surprise when the yeshiva submitted a building permit request for two nine-story buildings with a commercial center underneath. He accused the yeshiva's management of prioritizing real estate and financial interests over education, which prompted the city to cancel their agreement due to repeated breaches. The yeshiva responded by taking the matter to court, where the dispute is currently ongoing.