Ponevezh Yeshiva Students Rally After Court Orders Eviction by September

Following a dramatic ruling by the Tel Aviv District Court, hundreds of students and leaders of the Ponevezh Yeshiva gathered on Friday night for a special prayer vigil and motivational speech. The court ordered the eviction of the 'Mesoret HaTorah' yeshiva faction, led by Rabbi Shmuel Markovitz, from the Ponevezh campus by September 30, 2026. The event took place at the Perlman study hall in Bnei Brak, where students recited Psalms aloud with tears and pleas for the decree to be overturned and for a solution to allow the yeshiva to remain in its location.

The ruling, issued by Judge Yehudit Shevach, upheld an earlier arbitration decision by retired Judge David Cheshin in a long-standing dispute over the Ponevezh yeshiva property. The court rejected the cancellation request filed by the 'Mesoret HaTorah' faction and Rabbi Markovitz's representatives. Besides ordering the eviction, the ruling forbids Rabbi Markovitz from using the yeshiva's trademark, including its name and logo, and prohibits him from presenting himself as the head of Ponevezh.

In his address to the students, Rabbi Markovitz encouraged them to strengthen their Torah study and spiritual efforts during the month of Elul, emphasizing repentance and personal growth despite the difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, the legal representatives of the opposing faction demanded immediate enforcement of the eviction order and restoration of the property to its original condition.

The faction led by Rabbi Markovitz acknowledges the slim chances of success in appealing to the Supreme Court and anticipates having to vacate the premises eventually. The court granted an extension allowing the students to hold prayers for the High Holidays on the yeshiva grounds, but the upcoming Simchat Torah holiday may mark the first celebration under the control of the opposing faction.

This court decision has sent shockwaves through the yeshiva world, intensifying tensions at the Ponevezh campus and raising concerns about the future of one of Israel's most prominent Torah institutions.