Fire safety officials have ordered the closure of Be'er Yaakov Yeshiva, one of Israel's prominent Yeshivas, citing severe safety violations. The decision was revealed in a detailed letter to the institution's dean, Rabbi David Yitzchak Shapira, following a recent inspection campaign of religious educational institutions.
This latest closure order comes amid a broader crackdown on fire safety in religious educational institutions. Several other major seminaries, including Ponevezh (which has since installed required safety systems), Kiryat Melech, and Otzem, have faced similar enforcement actions from the National Fire and Rescue Authority.
According to the shutdown notice obtained by Kikar Shabbat, the Fire and Rescue Authority issued an "Immediate Administrative Closure Order Under Urgent Circumstances," citing imminent risks to life and property. The order mandates an immediate halt to all activities on the premises, except for remedial work to address safety violations and evacuation procedures.
The extensive facility includes a three-story dormitory housing over 100 students, a single-story residential building, kitchen and dining facilities, study halls, classrooms, and administrative offices. Fire officials noted that most buildings appear to have been constructed without proper building permits, adding another layer of regulatory concern.
The authority's intervention was accelerated following a fire incident at the facility on July 4, 2024. During subsequent inspections, officials documented critical safety deficiencies, with particular emphasis on the absence of a certified sprinkler system meeting required laboratory standards.
Officials emphasized that the institution has been operating without proper fire safety certification for years, despite repeated warnings. The current closure order will remain in effect for 30 days or until fire officials determine the facility meets all necessary safety requirements. The institution must address all identified violations before resuming operations.
The order takes effect immediately upon delivery or posting at the property, as specified under Section 55 of the National Fire and Rescue Authority Law.
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
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