The fledgling Jewish Identity Center, announced today that it will establish a Yeshiva Torah V’oz (Torah and strength) early September which is believed to be the first yeshiva to combine the teachings of Torah, Bible study and self-defense. A spokesman for the center said students will also be taught the principle of Jewish nationalism and Zionism along with traditional subjects taught in yeshivas “in order to develop a cadre of young Jewish leaders who will actively identify with the Land of Israel and regard it as their ultimate homeland.”
The spokesman identified the center as an organization of educators and lay leaders whose purpose “is to serve as a source for the dissemination of educational material to Jewish youth relevant to instilling pride in their heritage and to combat ‘soul-snatching’ activities of groups operating under the guise of Judaism.” According to the spokesman, some members of the yeshiva faculty have already been chosen and others are being interviewed.
At a meeting of the center today, Barry I. Slotnick was installed as board chairman and Dr. Morris Mandel was installed as president. Slotnick is a New York City trial lawyer who represented, among others. Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League, in the successful court suit to have kosher food furnished to Jewish prisoners in federal jails. Mandel is a guidance counselor, a practicing psychoanalyst, author and columnist and a former attorney.
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