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19 Adar 5761 - March 14, 2001 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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NEWS
Sculpture in Front of Beersheva Prison Removed
by B. Rabinowitz

Due to the efforts of Rabbi Benzion Shetreet, rav of the Beersheva prison, the prison administration issued an order to destroy part of a sculpture that had been placed in front of the prison's gates. The sculpture aroused sharp opposition from visitors and prisoners. The sculpture will be completely removed shortly.

A number of days ago, a huge statue was positioned near the gate of the prison. It had been sculpted by a group of prisoners under the direction of Yair Aharon from the Peduyim settlement in the Negev. Upon completion of the work, it was learned visitors and prisoners alike find the sculpture offensive. They asked the prison's rav to have it removed -- or at least to destroy its more offensive parts.

As a result of Rabbi Shetreet's intervention, parts of the statue were removed by the prisoners themselves. After continued complaints, however, the prison administration decided to remove the statue altogether. Yair Aharon said that he respects the prison's rav who fought for his principles and won.

In his capacity as rav of the prison, HaRav Shetreet coordinates widespread Torah activities for the prisoners. The activities have brought many positive effects. Many prisoners have begun to observe Torah and mitzvos, participating in Torah shiurim, delivered by rabbonim and lecturers from area settlements who often visit the prison in order to mekarev the prisoners. A religious rehabilitation department, run by the Hamaayan BaNegev institutions headed by HaRav Nosson Spector, is also active in the prison, conducting seminars and lectures.

 

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