Postville Yeshiva Needs Dorm

By COLlive reporter

The Mesivta of Postville is calling for help as the third anniversary approaches of the large immigration raid that closed down the kosher meat packing plant that built the small community.

Founded 10 years ago by Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin, former manager of Agriprocessors Inc. which was the target of the raid, the Yeshiva catered to the teenage sons of the Jewish workers.

Following the raid, the largest single raid of a workplace in U.S. history until that date, and the Rubashkin family’s financial distress, the Yeshiva has struggled but managed to remain open, and even continued to welcome out-of-town bochurim.

“It affected the whole town, and especially the mosdos,” the Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Eliyahu Benshimon told COLlive.com.

All assets that belonged to the Rubashkins were seized by the bank, as the company was sold to Heshy Friedman and reopened as AgriStar.

“The bank was nice enough to let us stay in the three dormitories for approximately two years,” Benshimon said.

But now the Yeshiva is on its own, with the bank demanding that the houses be paid for, and is willing to sell the properties for a reasonable price.

And the Yeshiva plans on seizing the opportunity.

One donor who requested to remain anonymous has purchased one of the houses for the Yeshiva and they need the buy the second one in the next few weeks.

“We have succeeded so far to continue and thrive, and the Kol Torah is stronger than ever,” he said. “We need the house for the bochurim and we are asking for everyone’s help.”

Please make checks payable to Beis Sholom.
331 W. Tilden St.
Postville IA 52162
Or by credit card by phone 563-864-3013
Email address: [email protected]

Rabbi Benshimon asked to emphasize that the Mesivta will be operating its summer program starting soon and registration for the upcoming school year is “in full swing.”

For more info, visit MesivtaPostville.org