Yeshiva students

Beyond the Headlines: Stronger than we think

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

A protester waves the pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag outside UN headquarters during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iran in New York on January 15, 2026.
Ohr Torah Stone’s Neveh Shmuel Yeshiva High School dedicated the “Hall of Heroes,” a permanent memorial honoring 25 alumni of the yeshiva who fell in Israel’s wars and terror attacks over the past decades, including 11 who fell in the past two years.

This high school’s library is now a memorial to 25 fallen alumni in Efrat

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man is seen during protests in Jerusalem as a banner reads 'All [Israeli] people are IDF,' October 30, 2025

Haredi population grows rapidly while male employment and army service stall, IDI report finds

Protests against haredi draft in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.

Israel faces tough choices over haredi draft exemptions, legal expert warns - interview


Majority of Israel's ex-Soviet immigrants oppose Netanyahu, back draft law - poll

Approximately 1 million eligible voters in Israel are immigrants from the former Soviet Union, part of a wider Russian-speaking community that comprises roughly 15% of the population.

 Ukrainian refugees are seen arriving in Israel as part of Operation Israeli Guarantee, on March 6, 2022.

New haredi draft bill grants 'amnesty' for haredim called-up since 2023 - explainer

The new haredi draft bill softens personal sanctions, allowing draft evaders to regularize their status around age 26. This flexibility draws sharp criticism from the opposition.

Haredi soldier

NYC’s yeshivas can offer a well-rounded education. Will Mamdani help them get there? - opinion

Hasidic boys' schools dedicate less than two hours/week to secular learning. This educational neglect is tragically common and feeds poverty, demanding urgent action from the new NYC administration.

Candidate Zohran Mamdani meets with Satmar Hasidic leaders and families during his campaign for mayor, Williamsburgh, New York, October 2025.

WATCH: Horse in distress at yeshiva event for IDF draft dodger sparks outrage

Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo celebrated a student who refused to serve in the IDF. The event drew outrage after a horse fell during the procession, and the yeshiva was warned for mimicking hostage posters.

 Horse in distress at yeshiva event for IDF draft dodger sparks outrage

In NJ governor’s race, Mikie Sherrill fends off GOP candidate whose aide spurned ‘money from Jews’

Mikie Sherrill won New Jersey's governor race, defeating Jack Ciattarelli, whose campaign faced backlash over antisemitic comments despite support from Trump and Orthodox leaders.

A Yiddish-language sign supporting Jack Ciattarelli, GOP candidate for New Jersey governor, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Nov. 4, 2025.

Hostages Forum sends legal warning to Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo over abuse of symbols

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sends a legal warning to a haredi yeshiva for misusing its symbols.

A woman reacts as families of Israeli hostages and supporters protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, marking the two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from Gaza, in Jerusalem, October 7, 2025

Engineering a new future: Sci-Tech Schools’ new hesder yeshiva

Israel Sci-Tech Schools has inaugurated a new ultra-Orthodox hesder yeshiva – combining military service with religious studies.

Israel Sci-Tech Schools’ Hermelin College in Netanya combines Torah study with academic excellence in practical engineering tracks.

Yeshiva student charged with raping minor at public pool, threatening to cut off penis

Yeshiva student Yitzhak Frankel, age 19, was arrested for raping and assaulting a 14-year-old boy at a swimming pool, cutting his stomach to taste his blood, and threatening to cut off his penis.

Yeshiva student and accused rapist Yitzhak Frankel.

High Court: Haredi students with unsettled military status won't get national insurance discounts

Yeshiva students who have not settled their status with the military or procured a valid exemption will not be eligible for relevant discounts on national insurance.

 Haredim protest against the IDF draft outside Tel Hashomer recruitment base, April 28. 2025.

Yeshiva students seize house in Hebron's old city for dorms

A press release from the yeshiva claimed that this was the first time Jews had entered the old city since 1929.

Students from Yeshiva Shavei Hevron claim the Valero house in the old city.