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A new bill introduced by MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism would impose far-reaching economic penalties on individuals convicted of working with Iranian agents, drawing directly on the same legal reasoning that has been used to justify sanctions against yeshiva bochurim who refuse to serve in the IDF.

The legislation would strip those convicted of spying for Iran of a wide range of government benefits and financial incentives. Among the measures outlined in the proposal are the loss of academic scholarships, income tax credit points, National Insurance payments, housing discounts, daycare assistance, reduced fares on public transportation, and government aid programs for purchasing a home.

Porush based the proposal on positions previously advanced by the Attorney General’s Office before the Supreme Court. In those proceedings, the state presented a list of “personal enforcement measures” aimed at yeshiva students, arguing that the withholding of financial benefits constitutes a lawful and proportionate deterrent.

The bill’s explanatory notes directly invoke that rationale. “If the legal counsel believes that denying daycare subsidies is a legitimate enforcement tool, then all the more so it should be applied to those who act to harm the State,” the bill’s explanatory notes state.

Porush also delivered a pointed jab at the Attorney General’s Office while promoting the measure. “I am certain that the Attorney General’s Office will support the proposal,” he said sarcastically, “since it is clear that the bodies responsible for law enforcement wish to stop espionage on behalf of Iran no less than they wish to persecute Torah learners.”

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Every bochur deserves someone who sees what he can become before he sees it himself.

For nearly 30 years, Yeshiva Ohr Simcha of Englewood has been built on that belief—not as a slogan, but as a daily reality in the beis medrash. With intentionally small classes, every talmid is known by name, and the relationship with his rebbi stays close, consistent, and personal.

We work with boys who may have struggled earlier on in elementary school—not because they lack ability, but because they needed a different setting to unlock it. A warm, structured yeshiva environment where they’re given individualized attention, real encouragement, and the tools to realize: I can do this.

Time and again, that approach builds solid, confident bnei Torah—many of whom go on to become successful rabbeim, baalei batim, and community leaders.

On June 1–2, Yeshiva Ohr Simcha will launch its annual Rayze-It campaign (Click Here to Join), giving friends, parents, alumni, and supporters an opportunity to partner in its mission. Funds raised will help the yeshiva continue providing the exceptional chinuch, dedicated rebbeim, and a nurturing atmosphere that has impacted generations of talmidim. 

To participate in the campaign and support the Yeshiva’s mission, please visit: https://www.rayze.it/ohrsimcha

Thousands converged on the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Sunday night for the fifth Adirei HaTorah maamad in support of the yungeleit of Lakewood, NJ. Those who couldn’t get tickets to the primary venue filled the Cure Arena in Trenton, NJ, joining the full program via live hookup.

From cities and towns across the tri-state area, busloads and carloads of attendees arrived with one shared purpose: to proclaim the honor and centrality of limud haTorah and to pay tribute to those who dedicate their lives to it.

The arena’s doors opened at 3 p.m. Gone were the sports banners and celebrity endorsements. In their place were powerful declarations of kavod haTorah, with mottos and visuals emphasizing the preciousness of those who carry the spiritual burdens of Klal Yisroel. As guests entered, they were offered refreshments, while inside the arena they were met with a magnificent sight: a round majestic dais on the floor of the arena constructed for the hundreds of roshei yeshiva, rabbonim, and roshei chaburah in attendance.

The air was charged with anticipation and uplifted by the sweet sounds of music. Keyboardist Meir Adler, flown in from Eretz Yisroel, was joined by singers Yanky Daskal, Hershy Weinberger, Duvid Berger, Shaya Lebron, and the Yedidim and Yingerlach Choirs. Their stirring melodies provided the evening with an atmosphere of joy and reverence.

Tehillim was recited for acheinu Bnei Yisroel by Rav Chaim Ginsburg, senior rosh chaburah at Bais Medrash Govoah.

Mincha was led by Rabbi Moshe Schepansky, father of Eli Schepansky z”l, a bochur who was recently niftar in a tragic accident.

As the roshei yeshiva entered the arena, accompanying the esteemed guest from Eretz Yisroel, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, the crowd rose in a unified, thunderous display of kavod haTorah.

Rav Nochum Binder, who served as the evening’s emcee, opened the program by reflecting on the current state of Klal Yisroel and the many challenges that seem to abound.

Tehillim was then recited, led by Rav Dovid Schustal, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, who first delivered divrei chizuk.

Rav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, was then introduced to address the maamad.

A video was then shown featuring a song to the tune of Shlomo Zolty’s Vahaviyosim, followed by a second song to Chaim Banet’s Machnisei Rachamim, sung by Boruch Levine, as well as V’ahavascha, Moshe Goldman’s Ani Maamin, and Yisgadal V’yisgadash.

The special guest from Eretz Yisroel, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, was then introduced.

Following Rav Soloveitchik’s drasha, a poignant video was shown in memory of Rav Shimon Frank zt”l, an outstanding yungerman who was niftar during the past year. The video about this dedicated ben Torah painted a picture of a life steeped in Torah and kedusha.

The singing of Avinu Av Harachaim and several other niggunim was led by Yanky Daskal, who was joined by special guest singer Naftali Kempeh, who sang his own composition, Baavur Avoseinu.

A Siyum HaShas on Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi, learned b’iyun by the yungeleit of Bais Medrash Govoah, was made, with the Hadran recited by Rav Yisroel Neuman, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah. After Rav Neuman recited the Hadran, the Kaddish for the siyum was recited by relatives of lomdei Bais Medrash Govoah who were niftar during the past year.

With the response of the final amein and a cry of “Mazel tov!” the crowd erupted with pure joy and simchas haTorah.

Rav Uri Deutsch, rov of the Forest Park Shul, then delivered the keynote drasha.

After an uplifting medley, the thousands joined together in Kabbolas Ohl Malchus Shomayim, led by Rav Yeruchom Olshin, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, who first delivered divrei chizuk.

A brief final round of singing and dancing followed, bringing the program to a close shortly after 9 p.m.

As the crowd began to file out, with music still echoing through the cavernous arena, the prevailing feeling was that the Adirei HaTorah maamad had once again fulfilled its mission—with a resounding reminder that the lomdei Torah remain the crown jewels of our people.

PHOTOS:

{Matzav.com}