In recent days, following a directive from Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara, the Israel Tax Authority has launched a broad initiative targeting yeshivos and Torah institutions across the country, requiring them to prove that their students have regularized their status with the military authorities as a condition for retaining approval under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance.

Dozens of yeshivos received official letters from the Tax Authority requiring them to sign affidavits stating that none of their students have failed to regularize their military status or have been classified as deserters.

The Tax Authority is also requiring the institutions to submit complete student lists, including ID numbers, along with documents demonstrating that each student’s military status has been regularized.

According to the notices sent to the institutions, failure to comply with the requirements or to submit the requested documentation could result in the loss of eligibility to receive donations under Section 46, which provides tax credits to donors.

The latest decree is a huge financial blow to yeshivos, as the tax credits are considered a key mechanism that enables nonprofits to raise donations.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)