Struggle in Ponovicz: cooperation with Shabbos violators

Ponovicz Yeshiva is already accustomed to the communication channels coming to the yeshiva regularly to review the melodious voice of Torah in its midst. These days, in light of the cloud of equality burden, floating on the yeshiva world sky, channel 2 came to the office of the President of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Kahneman, and asked his permission to photograph the walls and divisions of the yeshiva, for an article which will be broadcast on the channel. The representatives did not specify initially what program it is, but the yeshiva management showed open principle to the issue, but placed a number of conditions, without which, no approval will be given.

Rabbi Kahneman who is already experienced with the conduct of the general media, which hides details, and often produces false representation to achieve its goals, demanded from Channel 2 that the program will not be broadcast on Shabbos. In addition, he demanded that the report be favorable and will review practically and concretely what happens at the yeshiva. To this end, he requested that Channel 2 will sign the agreement and deposit guarantee in the amount of thousands of shekels with a trustee, lawyer, acceptable to both parties, who will determine at the end of the broadcast, whether the program was biased or that it was a set criteria. "If you took us astray, the money shall be forfeited in favor of the yeshiva." He stressed.

In the midst of the negotiations, one of the crew said that the program will be broadcast in the Friday News. The management sprung into action: "It's a program that transmits on a Friday or Friday night?" They asked. "Friday," one of the crew tried to throw sand ... But a quick clarification made, discovered the lie, and that the program is broadcast on Friday night-Shabbos.

The channel did not despair, at some point, tried their luck in the second stream of the yeshiva, under the leadership of HaGaon Markowitz. They tried to recruit one of the ultra-Orthodox Media, to obtain consent for them. He enlisted gladly and came to talk to the leaders of the parallel yeshiva. Following brief negotiations the approval was given - without reservations or conditions of any kind. Efforts by various parties to thwart the agreement on rational grounds were not successful. "They did not want to miss the momentum, and waste the golden opportunity which presented itself to them," claimed sources involved in the story to B'Chadrei Charedim.

This morning, Channel 2 crew came to film, as in the understanding developed between the parties. Rabbi Meir Bolek, Director of the Ponovicz Yeshiva, noticed them, and ordered them to leave the area, saying that it is a private area. The secretary summoned to the yeshiva HaGaon Markowitz, who explained that the photos are in agreement and coordination with him. But Rabbi Bolek did not agree, and again ordered the channel to take their equipment and leave the place.

The channel did not give up. At this point, they continue to try and find another yeshiva around Bnei Brak who will be good enough to keep them from the gallows, and allow them to document what happens inside, for the intended article, which it is doubtful will see light.

"It is sad that there are those among our camp, who do not hesitate to submit a shoulder for the media, refusing to commit that the story which will be broadcast will be sympathetic. A refusal which teaches more than anything else, that it would probably be hostile and abusive. Moreover, who allowed someone to cooperate with the plan projection on Shabbos? Ponovicz Yeshiva seniors wonder.

Ponovicz yeshiva secretariat of HaGaon Markovic said in response: "The details in the article are incorrect. Yeshiva secretary, Rabbi Benziman clarified to the media team who arrived this morning without coordination at the yeshiva, that they must leave the yeshiva area, and indeed the team took their provisions and left. The publication which claims that approval was given - is not true.

The strategic consultant who was involved in the case, Nachum Benedict, said in a statement: "As part of good relations with Channel 2 I am pleased to reveal to them the good things in the haredi public, and to sanctify the Name of Heaven by doing so. When the channel contacted me to cover the Ponovicz yeshiva and its students positively, I turned to the rabbi's yeshiva management of Rabbi Kahneman who expressed demand for a guarantee that the image of the meeting will be covered positively, and during conversation with me no word was said on the broadcast time, however when the channel turned to the yeshiva management of Rabbi Markowitz he refused because of their desire to obtain assurances that the replay will not be broadcast on Shabbos."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!