This is an article from September of 2024 which, from what we understand, is the basis for the protests and arrests that occurred tonight in Williamsburg.
A chassidish yeshiva left in limbo at the start of the school year is the latest casualty of a civil war consuming the oldest shul in Williamsburg and the last remaining Modern Orthodox shul in the Satmar enclave.
The latest dispute began when longtime members of the kehillah learned newcomers planned to lease the shul’s main sanctuary to Yeshiva Ohel Elozer, a Satmar boys’ high school. Documents show a four-year lease at $5,000 per month for the first two years and $8,000 for the final two.
The fight at Congregation Beth Jacob Ohev Shalom stems from changing membership as chassidim who felt excluded from traditional Satmar institutions joined the historically Modern Orthodox synagogue. While the groups coexisted for years, old-timers now accuse newcomers of trying to seize control of the congregation’s property and assets. The sides disagree over the building’s future, board membership, and who qualifies as a congregant.
Mostly Modern Orthodox longtime members oppose renting the sanctuary, particularly at what they view as a below-market rate. The mostly chassidish newcomers, led by Israel Leichter, argue the lease would provide needed revenue.
Last Tuesday, a Kings County Supreme Court judge barred Ohel Elozer from moving into the Rodney Street building. It remains unclear where the high school, recently housed on nearby Classon Avenue, will operate. Yeshiva administrator Yaakov Jacobowitz, who is involved in the shul dispute, did not respond to requests for comment.
Longtime congregant Carlota “America” Ruiz said the space could command about $18,000 per month based on a previous offer. Her faction rejected that proposal because they wanted the sanctuary used for tefillah.
Attorney Meyer Silber argues the lease was never approved by members and may require state approval because it effectively rents out the entire property. He also alleges members were once locked out of the sanctuary on shabbos. Leichter disputes the criticism, while Silber accuses defendants of changing locks, chaining the sanctuary, and using intimidation.
At a disputed board election, both sides hired security. This reporter was injured when Jacobowitz and a guard collided with her while shoving each other.
Judge Lisa Ottley’s injunction also barred defendants from interfering with members’ use of the sanctuary and other synagogue property. One NYPD officer called to the scene summed up the chaos: “I’m going to need an aspirin after this one.”
