Over Half a Billion Shekels Raised for Israeli Yeshivas Amid Government Funding Freeze

An internal document revealed by Galei Tzahal exposes the extensive fundraising and distribution activities of the "Olam HaTorah Fund," established after the Israeli government halted direct funding to yeshivas. Since its inception in July 2024 through early 2026, the fund has raised and allocated over 500 million shekels to approximately 1,450 Torah institutions across Israel. Recent estimates suggest that by mid-2026, the total amount distributed has surpassed 700 million shekels.

The fund relies on private donations from philanthropists and wealthy individuals both within Israel and internationally, serving as an alternative financing mechanism following sanctions related to the contentious issue of yeshiva student conscription. According to the document, financial support is allocated based on the size and operational needs of the institutions. The Mir Yeshiva tops the list of recipients, receiving nearly 19 million shekels, followed by the Ponevezh Yeshiva and Ateret Shlomo Yeshiva, each receiving over 13 million shekels. Other notable funded institutions include Yeshivat Shaalvim, Hebron Yeshiva, and Netivot Chochma, which each received between six and nine million shekels.

The fund's creation aims to fill the budget gap caused by the cessation of direct government support. Notably, some of the funds also support institutions attended by students classified as draft evaders or deserters, enabling these yeshivas to continue operating despite the economic sanctions imposed on them.