Yeshiva clinches deal on Betar building

CHANTAL ABITBOL

SYDNEY’S Yeshiva Centre is poised to relocate its girls school and provide a permanent home for the Chabad House for Israelis after signing a deal to purchase Betar’s former Beth Herzel building on Old South Head Road.

The 820-square-metre building, located a few blocks away from Yeshiva’s main headquarters on Flood Street, contains two function rooms, six private rooms, a meeting room, a commercial kitchen and parking lot.

The Yeshiva’s Rabbi Eli Feldman said the purchase was funded by a “group of stakeholders”, but didn’t specify the price.

The Chabad House is currently renting the top floor of the building, but will now have a permanent home under its new management.

“It’s sort of like a homecoming for them,” said Rabbi Feldman.

The Yeshiva also plans to move its girls’ school from its Flood Street premises to the new building, he said.

Betar sold the building in 2007 to bidders outside the community. Rabbi Feldman said he was happy that it was back in Jewish hands.

“We’re at the stage where there is a lot more things to do than the space to do it in. We need more room, and this was a unique opportunity.”