Tel Aviv Court Upholds Arbitration Ruling in Ponovezh Yeshiva Ownership Dispute

In a landmark ruling in the long-standing dispute over control of the Ponovezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv District Court Judge Yehudit Shvach rejected a request to annul the arbitration award issued by retired Judge David Cheshin, fully endorsing his decision. The detailed judgment confirmed that Cheshin's arbitration ruling is valid and final, requiring the followers and institutions of Rabbi Shlomo Markovitz to vacate the yeshiva's property on the Ponovezh hill in Bnei Brak.

Due to the proximity to the High Holy Days, Judge Shvach postponed the eviction deadline to September 30, 2026. The court also ordered the petitioners to pay legal costs and attorney fees totaling 75,000 shekels. The ruling reviewed the complex history of the conflict, which began with an arbitration panel decision in 2000 and included subsequent developments leading to Judge Cheshin's appointment as sole arbitrator.

Judge Shvach emphasized that the arbitration outcome, which separates the factions and removes those acting against the yeshiva's hierarchy and structure, is justified and appropriate. The ruling prohibits Rabbi Markovitz and the "Mesoret HaTorah" association from using the Ponovezh Yeshiva trademark, name, and logo, and forbids Rabbi Markovitz from claiming the title "Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh." Supporters of Rabbi Markovitz have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.