Drama in Bnei Brak: Battle over Rabbi Deutsch's burial site raises fears of violence

A dramatic struggle is unfolding in Bnei Brak tonight as religious factions clash over the burial site of Rabbi Asher Deutsch, a prominent leader of the Jerusalem Faction and Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh, who passed away earlier today. The dispute centers on whether he will be laid to rest in the Ponevezh Cemetery, with growing concerns about potential violent confrontations.

At 5:09pm today (Israel time), dozens of Ponevezh Yeshiva students have taken matters into their own hands, arriving at the cemetery with shovels to dig a grave for their Rabbi.

Behind the Scenes Drama

The situation has escalated into what sources describe as a "fierce battle," involving Jerusalem faction leaders, arbitrators from the ongoing Ponevezh legal dispute, and leading American rabbinical figures. The Jerusalem faction has made it clear they won't back down from their demand to bury Rabbi Deutsch, who spent nearly his entire 80-year life affiliated with Ponevezh, in the yeshiva's cemetery next to his father, the institution's legendary administrator.

"This is simply outrageous," a senior Ponevezh source told a Kikar HaShabbat reporter. "Rabbi Deutsch was the very flesh and blood of Ponevezh. How can a dispute between brothers-in-law prevent him from being buried beside his father? He is Ponevezh, and Ponevezh is him."

Political Intervention

Members of the Degel HaTorah party have stepped in, attempting to negotiate access to the burial plot to prevent what many fear could become an unprecedented night of confrontations. Meanwhile, American rabbinic leaders, including Rabbi A.D. Wachtfogel and Rabbi M. Kotler, are working to mediate the crisis.

Police Preparations

Law enforcement officials are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential unrest. A significant police presence has been deployed around the cemetery, with authorities working to broker a solution while preparing for possible disturbances.

"We're looking at a potential return to violence on the yeshiva hill after years of quiet," another Ponevezh source warned. "Is this how we behave when the deceased isn't even buried yet? This is a desecration of the dead."

The Jerusalem faction has stated unequivocally that if permission for burial in the Ponevezh cemetery is denied, they will take forceful action to ensure Rabbi Deutsch is laid to rest there. Sources close to the situation describe the group as "deadly serious" about their intentions.

As evening approaches and funeral preparations continue, community leaders are making last-minute attempts to reach a compromise. The funeral is scheduled for 7:00 PM, leaving precious little time to resolve this increasingly volatile situation.

Traffic Advisory:

Major road closures will affect central Bnei Brak during the funeral procession. Police have announced the following closures:

- Chazon Ish Street: Complete closure along its entire length

- All connecting streets to Chazon Ish

- No southbound access from Beit Shammai Street

- No northbound access from Jerusalem Boulevard (Ramat Gan)

- Full closures on Maharashal, Halperin, and Vilkomirer streets

- Dessler Street: Closed between Ben Zakai and Chazon Ish

- Ra'avad Street: Closed between Rabbi Akiva and HaRav Hirsch

- Ben Zakai Street: Closed in both directions

Thousands are expected to attend the funeral, which will begin at the Ponevezh Yeshiva plaza. Local authorities advise residents and visitors to plan alternate routes and expect significant delays in the area throughout the evening.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.