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Arbitrator Orders Markovitz Faction to Vacate Ponovezh, Bars Use of Name, Awards Millions

A binding arbitration ruling caps decades of parallel operations at the storied yeshiva.

Overview

  • Retired judge Dovid Cheshin issued a final arbitration decision on November 19, delivering a 169‑page ruling to both sides after a four‑year process.
  • The ruling directs the Markovitz faction to vacate Ponovezh’s main hall and associated facilities by Av 5786, described in coverage as summer 2025.
  • Rabbi Shmuel Markovitz and his faction are prohibited from using the Ponovezh name or logo or presenting him as the yeshiva’s rosh yeshiva.
  • Financial compensation was awarded to the Markovitz side: 42.8 million shekels for land‑usage fees plus 3,307,402 shekels for shared‑building maintenance.
  • Control of Ponovezh is affirmed under Rabbi Eliezer Kahaneman, with implementation to be overseen under instructions to avoid provocations and media incitement.