Difference between revisions of "Belz (Hasidic dynasty)"

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{{short description|Hasidic Jewish dynasty originating from Belz in Galicia with major communities in Israel, the UK and the US}}
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{{short description|'''Hasidic dynasty founded in Belz, Galicia, around 1817; now centred in Kiryat Belz, Jerusalem, with communities in New York, London, Manchester, Antwerp and elsewhere'''}}
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{{Hasidic sidebar}}
 
{{Infobox religious group
 
{{Infobox religious group
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| name = [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]]
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| name         = Belz
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| image =  
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| type          = [[Hasidic dynasties|Hasidic dynasty]]
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| caption =  
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| founder      = [[Shalom Rokeach]] (1783–1855, per YIVO)
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| founded_date = 1817
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| founded_date  = {{Start date|1817}}
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| founded_place = Belz, Galicia (now Ukraine)
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| founded_place = Belz, eastern Galicia (now Ukraine)
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| founder = [[Shalom Rokeach]]
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| headquarters  = Kiryat Belz, [[Jerusalem]]
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| leader_title = Rebbe
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| leader_title = Rebbe
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| leader_name = [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]]
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| leader_name   = [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] (born 1948)
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| headquarters = [[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]]
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| languages    = Yiddish
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| type = Hasidic Judaism
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| notes        = Fifth Rebbe installed in 1966. Described by the ''[[Times of Israel]]'' as the second-largest Hasidic group in [[Israel]].<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="ToICore" />
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Belz''' is a [[Hasidic dynasties|Hasidic dynasty]] founded around 1817 by [[Shalom Rokeach]] in the town of Belz in eastern Galicia, now in Ukraine. It became the most important Hasidic court in Galicia in the 19th century.<ref name="YIVO" /> The fourth Rebbe, [[Aharon Rokeach]], escaped to Palestine in 1944, and the court was rebuilt in Tel Aviv and later Jerusalem. Its centre is [[Kiryat Belz]] in Jerusalem, and it has communities in New York, [[Antwerp]], [[London]], Zurich and [[Montreal]].<ref name="YIVO" /> The present Rebbe, [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]], was installed in 1966.<ref name="YIVO" /> The ''Times of Israel'' describes Belz as the second-largest Hasidic group in Israel.<ref name="ToICore" />
  
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A [[Hasidic dynasties|Hasidic sect]] originally located in the town of Belz in eastern Galicia near Lvov in what is now Ukraine. The Belz Hasidic Dynasty was founded by Rabbi [[Shalom Rokeaḥ]] (1783–1855), a devoted disciple of [[Ya‘akov Yitsḥak Horowitz]], the so-called Seer of Lublin. Rokeaḥ established his famous court in Belz around 1817, attracting many followers from Poland, Galicia, and Hungary. He was known as both a miracle worker and a Talmudist, and maintained a close relationship with the Galician non-Hasidic rabbinate of his time. His everyday life was simple, and he was the first rebbe who did not dress in white (as was common for kabbalists and early Hasidic leaders).
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== History ==
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=== Galicia ===
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[[Shalom Rokeach]] (1783–1855), a disciple of [[Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz]], the Seer of Lublin, set up his court in Belz around 1817 and drew followers from Poland, Galicia and Hungary.<ref name="YIVO" /> The ''[[Jewish Virtual Library]]'' gives his year of birth as 1779.<ref name="JVL" /> ''[[Mishpacha]]'' records that he was appointed rabbi of Belz in 1817.<ref name="MishpachaKingdom" /> According to the ''[[Jerusalem Post]]'', he built the Great Synagogue of Belz in 1843.<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
  
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'''[[Belz Hasidic dynasty]]''' (Yiddish: '''בעלזא''', ''Belz'') is a major Hasidic Jewish dynasty founded in the early 19th century in the town of Belz in Galicia, now in western Ukraine. The group re-established itself globally after the Holocaust and has significant communities in the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United States]] and [[Israel]]. [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] is known for its insular, highly supportive network of educational and self-help institutions and for its involvement in Haredi politics through [[Agudat Yisrael]] and [[United Torah Judaism]] ([[UTJ]]).
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His youngest son, [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] (1825–1894), made Belz the most important Hasidic branch in Galicia. In 1879 he was among the founders of [[Machzikei Hadas]] (Makhzikey ha-Das), an organisation set up to lobby for the ultra-Orthodox community in Galicia and to challenge the secular Shomer Yisrael in Lwów.<ref name="YIVO" />
  
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The dynasty was founded by [[Shalom Rokeach]] (1779–1855), known as the Sar Shalom. It grew under his successors but was nearly destroyed in the Holocaust. The fourth Rebbe, [[Aharon Rokeach]] (1877–1957), survived with his brother and re-established the court in [[Israel]] in 1944. His nephew, the current Rebbe [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] (born 1948), has led since 1966 and resides in [[Jerusalem]]. The current Rebbe [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] has lived in [[Israel]] his entire life since birth in 1948.
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The third Rebbe, [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach (1854–1926)|Yissachar Dov Rokeach]], opposed Zionism so strongly that Belz did not join [[Agudat Yisrael]].<ref name="YIVO" /> During the First World War the Russian army destroyed Belz, and the court fled to Hungary. It settled first in Újfehértó (Ratzfert), and in 1919 moved to Munkács, where the Rebbe came into long conflict with [[Hayyim Elazar Shapira]] of the [[Munkacs (Hasidic dynasty)|Munkács dynasty]]. He returned to Galicia in 1922, living first in Oleszyce, and re-established the court in Belz in 1925.<ref name="YIVO" />
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==History==
 
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The [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] originated in the town of Belz in eastern Galicia. [[Shalom Rokeach]] established the court in 1817.<ref name="YIVO">David Assaf, [https://encyclopedia.yivo.org/article/186 Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', accessed 5 May 2026.</ref> Successors included his son [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] and grandson [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach (third Rebbe)]]. During World War I the court fled to Hungary.<ref name="JVL">Jewish Virtual Library, [https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/belz-hasidic-dynasty Belz Hasidic dynasty] ''Jewish Virtual Library'', accessed 5 May 2026.</ref>
 
  
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Most of the family perished in the Holocaust. [[Aharon Rokeach]] and his brother escaped to [[Israel]] in 1944 and began rebuilding the court in Tel Aviv and [[Jerusalem]].<ref name="YadVashem">Yad Vashem, [https://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/exhibitions/communities/munkacs/dispute_munkacs_belz_hasidim.asp Dispute between Munkacs and Belz Hasidim] ''Yad Vashem'', accessed 5 May 2026.</ref> The dynasty has since maintained a pragmatic stance within Haredi society while participating in [[Agudat Yisrael]] and [[United Torah Judaism]].
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=== Holocaust and rebuilding ===
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[[Aharon Rokeach]] (1880–1957) succeeded his father in 1926. In 1943 he and his brother [[Mordechai Rokeach]] of Biłgoraj (1903–1949) escaped from the Bochnia ghetto to Budapest. In January 1944, the day before the brothers left for Palestine, Mordechai promised his Hasidim that nothing would happen to Hungarian Jews. YIVO notes that this promise, and the brothers' escape while their followers stayed behind, drew criticism.<ref name="YIVO" /> In Tel Aviv, Aharon rebuilt the court while modifying the traditional Belz opposition to Agudat Yisrael and to a Jewish state.<ref name="YIVO" /> Belz marks the brothers' arrival in the Land of Israel each year as ''Yom Hahatzalah'' (the Day of Rescue).<ref name="MishpachaBorn" /> Biale and his co-authors write that in the first years of the state Aharon supported the United Religious Front, which joined Haredim and religious Zionists in a single bloc,<ref name="BialeBook725">David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, ''Hasidism: A New History'', Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 725.</ref> and that, like Halberstam of [[Sanz-Klausenburg (Hasidic dynasty)|Sanz-Klausenburg]], the Rebbe of Belz "embraced a kind of ultra-Orthodox Zionism".<ref name="BialeBook664">David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, ''Hasidism: A New History'', Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 664.</ref>
  
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==Leadership==
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''Mishpacha'' reports that a Belz cheder opened in Bnei Brak in 1952 and that the Tel Aviv cheder had 180 children by 1954.<ref name="MishpachaKingdom" />
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* First Rebbe: [[Shalom Rokeach]] (1779–1855, Rebbe 1817–1855).
 
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* Second Rebbe: [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] (1825–1894, Rebbe 1855–1894).
 
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* Third Rebbe: [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach (third)]] (1854–1926, Rebbe 1894–1926).
 
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* Fourth Rebbe: [[Aharon Rokeach]] (1877–1957, Rebbe 1926–1957).
 
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* Fifth and current Rebbe: [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] (born 1948, Rebbe since 1966), based in [[Jerusalem]].
 
  
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=== Fifth Rebbe ===
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After Aharon's death in 1957 the Hasidim accepted his nephew [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]], born in 1948 and then a nine-year-old orphan, as his successor. He was formally installed in 1966.<ref name="YIVO" /> He married in 1965 in [[Kiryat Vizhnitz]], [[Bnei Brak]]. His son [[Aharon Mordechai Rokeach]] was born in 1975 and married in Kiryat Belz in 1993.<ref name="MishpachaBorn" /> According to ''Mishpacha'', the Rebbe began with "only a few hundred families"; 45 years after he took office, Belz counted "over 7000 families".<ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
  
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Worked for 36s
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The cornerstone of the [[Belz Great Synagogue]] in [[Kiryat Belz]] was laid in 1984, and the building was inaugurated in 2000.<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
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== Political parties associated with Belz ==
 
  
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Belz is not a standalone political party. Its public politics run through Hasidic factions of [[Agudat Yisrael]] and the joint Ashkenazi Haredi list [[United Torah Judaism]] (Yahadut HaTorah) in Israel. Historically the court was among the most anti-Zionist of the large Hasidic dynasties; after 1948 it moderated that stance enough to work inside the Israeli Haredi party system while remaining focused on yeshiva funding, religious status and exemption from conscription rather than territorial or security doctrine.<ref name="YIVOPol">David Assaf, [https://encyclopedia.yivo.org/article/186 Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', 12 February 2010.</ref><ref name="JPostUTJ">[[Jerusalem Post]], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907982 What do Arye Deri's Shas and Yaakov Asher's United Torah Judaism stand for?] ''Jerusalem Post'', 10 September 2026.</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"
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|+ Rebbes of Belz
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=== Galicia and early Agudah ===
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! # !! Rebbe !! Dates !! Led !! Notes
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|-
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In 1879 the second Belzer Rebbe, [[Yehoshua Rokeach]], was among the founders of Galician [[Machzikei Hadas]] (Makhzikey ha-Das), an ultra-Orthodox lobby against secular Jewish politics in Lwów.<ref name="YIVOPol" /> In the twentieth century Belz stood apart from much of Agudat Yisrael’s leadership: the third Rebbe opposed Zionism so sharply that Belz did not even join Agudas Yisroel in the interwar years.<ref name="YIVOPol" /> After the Holocaust [[Aharon Rokeach]] eased that refusal of Agudah and of a Jewish state enough for the rebuilt Israeli court to take part in Haredi communal politics.<ref name="YIVOPol" />
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| 1 || [[Shalom Rokeach]] || 1783–1855 (YIVO; 1779 in some sources) || c. 1817–1855 || Disciple of the Seer of Lublin<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="JVL" />
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|-
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=== United Torah Judaism and Agudat Yisrael ===
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| 2 || [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] || 1825–1894 || 1855–1894 || Youngest son of Shalom; co-founder of Machzikei Hadas<ref name="YIVO" />
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|-
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| 3 || [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach (1854–1926)|Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] || 1854–1926 || 1894–1926 || Exile in Hungary during and after the First World War<ref name="YIVO" />
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|-
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| 4 || [[Aharon Rokeach]] || 1880–1957 || 1926–1957 || Escaped to Palestine in 1944<ref name="YIVO" />
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|-
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| 5 || [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] || born 1948 || 1966– || Nephew of Aharon; son of Mordechai of Biłgoraj<ref name="YIVO" />
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|}
  
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[[United Torah Judaism]] was formed in 1992 as a joint Knesset list of Hasidic [[Agudat Yisrael]] and Lithuanian (non-Hasidic) [[Degel HaTorah]], to avoid splitting the Ashkenazi Haredi vote. Agudat Yisrael’s leading courts have long been Ger, Vizhnitz and Belz, with policy filtered through a Council of Torah Sages.<ref name="JPostUTJ" /> Belz’s organised political arm inside that world is often identified with the Machzikei HaDas (Machzikei Hadas) faction.
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== Communities ==
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=== Israel ===
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[[Kiryat Belz]], in northern Jerusalem, is the world centre of the dynasty. It borders [[Romema]], [[Tel Arza]], [[Kiryat Unsdorf]], [[Kiryat Mattersdorf]] and [[Kiryat Sanz]]. The offices of the [[Badatz Machzikei Hadas]], which issues kashrut certification, are there.<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
  
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Seat-sharing inside Agudah has repeatedly been a source of friction. Reports of the mid-2000s recorded Belz and Vizhnitz rotating a Knesset place, and Belz complaining that it was asked to sacrifice representation.<ref name="ToIBlog">Eitan Chikli, [https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/united-torah-judaism-lithuanian-and-hasidic-judaism-at-the-heart-of-israeli-politics/ United Torah Judaism: Lithuanian and Hasidic Judaism at the Heart of Israeli Politics] ''Times of Israel'' blogs, 23 August 2026.</ref> Long-serving Belz Knesset member [[Yisrael Eichler]] sat for Agudat Yisrael / UTJ from 2003, with interruptions.
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In January 2022 the Rebbe approved the teaching of core subjects (mathematics, science, Hebrew and English) in Belz boys' elementary schools, in a model under which the state would fund the schools. The ''Times of Israel'' reported that the change would first involve about 7,000 children.<ref name="ToICore" />
  
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=== Role in Israeli government ===
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The rapper [[Shyne]] studied with Belz Hasidim in Jerusalem after his release from prison.<ref name="Shyne" />
  
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UTJ has usually sat to the right of centre as a coalition partner rather than as a governing party with a foreign-policy programme. Since the 1990s its most durable partnership has been with [[Likud]] under [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]: Haredi seats in exchange for protection of yeshiva budgets, large-family supports and the special status of full-time Torah students.<ref name="ToIBlog" /><ref name="JPostUTJ" /> In the 25th Knesset UTJ held seven of 120 seats (Shas 11). That modest total still mattered because right-wing coalitions often needed every Haredi vote.<ref name="JPostUTJ" />
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=== United States ===
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In 1981 the ''New York Times'' reported that the Belz headquarters was on 16th Avenue in [[Borough Park]], Brooklyn. The Rebbe visited New York that year under heavy police protection, after threats of violence by the rival Satmar Hasidim; days earlier more than 500 Satmar followers had thrown rocks outside a Belz synagogue in [[Williamsburg]].<ref name="NYT1981" /> In 1995 Congressman [[Jerrold Nadler]] told the House of Representatives that the Belz community was based in his Borough Park district and ran self-help bodies, including a large patient-advocacy organisation, a free medical counselling centre and a low-cost clinic.<ref name="Nadler1995" />
  
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In the thirty-seventh government UTJ took housing and Jerusalem-related posts and the chair of the Knesset Finance Committee under coalition agreements signed in December 2022. Degel HaTorah, on rabbinic instruction, generally avoided full ministerial portfolios and preferred committee chairs and deputy ministries.<ref name="ToIBlog" />
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In January 2026 the community website ''World of Belz'' reported plans, first published in the Belz newspaper ''HaMachane'', for a new housing development called "Kiryas Belz USA" to tackle the Haredi housing shortage.<ref name="WorldBelzUSA" />
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The compact broke over conscription. After the High Court ended the old blanket yeshiva exemption, UTJ pressed for legislation restoring legal cover for students who do not serve. In July 2025 both UTJ factions left the government when they judged the draft bill inadequate; Netanyahu’s formal majority fell to a knife-edge.<ref name="BloombergUTJ">[[Bloomberg]], [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-15/netanyahu-s-coalition-shrinks-after-ultra-orthodox-party-quits Netanyahu’s Coalition Shrinks After Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits] 15 July 2025.</ref><ref name="IPF">Alex Lederman, [https://israelpolicyforum.org/2026/05/19/controlling-the-coalitions-collapse/ Controlling the Coalition’s Collapse] ''Israel Policy Forum'', 19 May 2026.</ref> Agudat Yisrael, including Hasidic MKs, took a harder line than Degel at several points in 2025–26.<ref name="IPF" />
 
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As of September 2026 Israel is heading for a Knesset election (27 October 2026). UTJ has not pledged to sit only with Netanyahu. Polls still put the list around seven or eight seats, enough in a hung parliament to decide a coalition — or to be replaced as kingmaker if a “Zionist unity” bloc refuses Haredi partners unless they accept a conscription law.<ref name="JPostGafni">Herb Keinon, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907743 Haredi alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu shifts as Moshe Gafni ousted from Degel Hatorah] ''Jerusalem Post'', 6 September 2026.</ref><ref name="JPostUTJ" />
 
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=== Belz slate politics, 2026 ===
 
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In September 2026 the Belzer Rebbe’s court moved to replace Eichler with [[Elyakim Stark]], chairman of Belz’s executive committee, as the community’s man on the Agudah side of the UTJ list.<ref name="VINStark">Joseph Feldman, [https://vinnews.com/2026/09/07/charedi-political-shakeup-continues-as-belz-moves-to-replace-eichler/ Charedi Political Shakeup Continues as Belz Moves to Replace Eichler] ''VIN News'', 7 September 2026.</ref> Hours before the list deadline, Stark and [[Meir Porush]] (Shlomei Emunim) registered a separate vehicle, [[Homat Torat Yisrael]] / Chomas Toras Yisrael (“Wall of the Torah of Israel”), alleging that Ger’s “central faction” had delayed budget transfers. UTJ then filed as three registered parties — Degel HaTorah, Agudat Yisrael, and Chomas Toras Yisrael — while Belz and Shlomei Emunim said the split was technical, not a walk-out from Agudah. Stark was placed sixth on the submitted joint slate.<ref name="INNPorush">[[Israel National News]], [https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/432906 Last minute drama in United Torah Judaism party] 8 September 2026.</ref><ref name="YeshivaWorldSlate">[[Yeshiva World News]], [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2595974/after-split-and-hours-of-turmoil-utj-submits-party-slate.html After Split And Hours Of Turmoil, UTJ Submits Party Slate] 9 September 2026.</ref>
 
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Belz therefore remains inside the UTJ umbrella but as a distinct Machzikei HaDas bargaining unit, not as Ger’s junior partner.
 
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=== List explanation ===
 
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The parties and factions named under political associations are those through which Belz public politics actually run. Belz is not itself a registered party.
 
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* [[Agudat Yisrael]] is the Hasidic wing of Ashkenazi Haredi politics in Israel. Belz sits in this camp with [[Ger (Hasidic dynasty)|Ger]] and [[Vizhnitz (Hasidic dynasty)|Vizhnitz]]. Knesset members identified with Belz, including [[Yisrael Eichler]] and, for the 2026 list, [[Elyakim Stark]], come from this side.<ref name="VINStark">Joseph Feldman, [https://vinnews.com/2026/09/07/charedi-political-shakeup-continues-as-belz-moves-to-replace-eichler/ Charedi Political Shakeup Continues as Belz Moves to Replace Eichler] ''VIN News'', 7 September 2026.</ref>
 
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* [[United Torah Judaism]] is the joint Knesset list used since 1992 by Agudat Yisrael and [[Degel HaTorah]]. Belz votes and seats appear on this ticket, not on a separate Belz list.<ref name="JPostUTJ">[[Jerusalem Post]], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907982 What do Arye Deri's Shas and Yaakov Asher's United Torah Judaism stand for?] ''Jerusalem Post'', 10 September 2026.</ref>
 
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* [[Degel HaTorah]] is not a Belz party. It is the Lithuanian (non-Hasidic) partner on the same UTJ list. Coalition entries and walk-outs, including the July 2025 resignation over conscription legislation, are negotiated inside that wrapper rather than by Belz alone.<ref name="BloombergUTJ">[[Bloomberg]], [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-15/netanyahu-s-coalition-shrinks-after-ultra-orthodox-party-quits Netanyahu’s Coalition Shrinks After Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits] 15 July 2025.</ref>
 
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* [[Machzikei Hadas]] refers both to the Galician ultra-Orthodox body associated with the second Belzer Rebbe in 1879 and to the Belz faction inside Agudat Yisrael (the name used when Belz and Shlomei Emunim filed a separate technical list in September 2026).<ref name="YIVOPol">David Assaf, [https://encyclopedia.yivo.org/article/186 Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', 12 February 2010.</ref><ref name="YeshivaWorldSlate">[[Yeshiva World News]], [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2595974/after-split-and-hours-of-turmoil-utj-submits-party-slate.html After Split And Hours Of Turmoil, UTJ Submits Party Slate] 9 September 2026.</ref>
 
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* [[Shas]] is the Sephardi Haredi party. Belz has no institutional role in Shas. It is listed only as the other Haredi bloc that usually sits with UTJ in coalition arithmetic. It may be treated as related rather than as a Belz organisation.
 
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Likud is a frequent coalition host, not a Belz party.
 
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=== Outside Israel ===
 
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Belz has no equivalent parliamentary party in the United Kingdom, the United States or Belgium. UK communal politics are conducted through synagogues, schools and charities (including Machzikei Hadass institutions in London and Salford) and through the [[Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations]], not through a Belz ticket at Westminster or local elections. Nineteenth-century Galician Machzikei Hadas is the organisational ancestor of the name later used by Belz educational and political bodies; it should not be confused with later UK schools of similar title.
 
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==Belz today==
 
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Since 1966, Rabbi [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] has presided over both the expansion of Belz educational institutions and the growth of Hasidic populations in Israel, the United States, and Europe. Like other Hasidic groups, the Belz community has established a variety of self-help organizations, including one of the largest patient-advocacy organizations of its kind, a free medical counseling center, and an affordable medical treatment clinic in the New York area.<ref>[https://www.congress.gov/crec/1995/06/20/CREC-1995-06-20-pt1-PgE1300-3.pdf Tribute to Rabbi Yisocher Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe, Upon His Visit to New York – Hon. Jerrold Nadler] |20 June 1995, Congressional Record, 104th Congress (1995–1996)</ref>
 
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Under the Rebbe's leadership, the Belz Hasidut has grown from a few hundred families at the time of his accession to leadership in 1966, to over 11,000 families, as of 2022.<ref name="born">Landesman, Yerucham. "Born to Lead: How did the Belzer Rebbe breathe new life into a shattered Chassidus?" ''[[Mishpacha]]'', 10 October 2011, pp. 30–51.</ref> Belz is Israel's second largest Hasidic group.
 
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==Communities==
 
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===United Kingdom===
 
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{{short description|'''Belz Hasidic communities and institutions in the United Kingdom'''}}
 
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The British [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] community is centred in the [[Stamford Hill]] and Upper Clapton area of the [[London Borough of Hackney]], with further communities in [[Broughton Park]], [[Salford]] (Greater Manchester) and [[Westcliff-on-Sea]], Essex.<ref name="Guardian2015">Haroon Siddique, [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/05/ultra-orthodox-jewish-sect-belz-women-driver-ban-illegal-equality-commission Ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect's female driver ban 'unlawful and discriminatory'] ''The Guardian'', 5 June 2015.</ref><ref name="JC2015">Simon Rocker, [http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/136878/stamford-hill-sect-bans-women-drivers Stamford Hill sect bans women drivers] ''Jewish Chronicle'', 8 May 2015.</ref> Belz is one of the larger Hasidic congregations in Stamford Hill, which is the largest Haredi concentration in Europe.<ref name="JCRBethune">[[JCR-UK]], [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/london/stamford_shteibls/beltz.htm Chasidey Belz Beth Hemedrash, Bethune Road] ''JewishGen / JCR-UK'', updated 15 March 2015.</ref>
 
  
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=== United Kingdom ===
 
==== London ====
 
==== London ====
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The British Belz community is centred on [[Stamford Hill]] and Upper Clapton in [[Hackney]], north London.<ref name="JCRBethune" /><ref name="Guardian2015" /> An early Belz synagogue stood at 90 Commercial Road, London E1, in the East End.<ref name="JewishEastEnd" />
  
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===== East End origins =====
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
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|+ Belz synagogues in London
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! Name !! Address !! Notes
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|-
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| [[Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh]] (Bethune Road) || 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED || Founded about 1962; member of the [[Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations]]<ref name="JCRBethune" />
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|-
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| [[Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh]] (Clapton Common) || 96 Clapton Common, London E5 9AL; also 49 St Kilda's Road, London N16 5BS (from about 2006) || Also called Beth Hemedrash D'Chasidey Belz<ref name="JCRClapton" />
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|}
  
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In the 1930s an early Belz synagogue stood on Commercial Road, Limehouse, in the Jewish East End, before the community shifted north to Stamford Hill and Clapton.<ref name="JewishEastEnd">Jewish East End of London, [http://www.jewisheastend.com/belz.html Memories of the Belzer synagogue] ''jewisheastend.com'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
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|+ Belz schools in London
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===== Stamford Hill and Clapton =====
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! School !! Address !! Pupils !! Proprietor / head !! Notes
−
 
 
−
The present London hub is around [[Clapton Common]] and adjoining streets. Synagogues associated with Belz and recorded by [[JCR-UK]] include [[Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh]] (also spelled Beth Hemedrash D'Chasidey Belz) at 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED, founded about 1962 and affiliated to the [[Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations]]; and a congregation of the same name at 96 Clapton Common, London E5 9AL, with an additional address from about 2006 at 49 St Kilda's Road, London N16 5BS.<ref name="JCRBethune" /><ref name="JCRClapton">[[JCR-UK]], [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/London/stamford_shteibls/belz.htm Chasidey Belz Beth Hemedrash, Clapton Common] ''JewishGen / JCR-UK'', updated 16 March 2015.</ref> Community listings also record a beis hamedrash at 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN.
 
−
 
 
−
[[Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd]] (charity number 1186741) gives its main office as 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED.<ref name="KollelGiG">Giving is Great, [https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1186741 Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd] ''Giving is Great'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===== Belz Terrace and listed buildings =====
 
−
 
 
−
[[Belz Terrace]], London E5 9SN, takes its name from the dynasty. The postal address covers properties historically numbered 98 and 98a Clapton Common. [[Historic England]] lists 98 Clapton Common as a Grade II building (list entry 1226457), first listed on 4 February 1975: an early- to mid-nineteenth-century three-bay villa of two storeys and attic in stock brick with stucco detail, known historically as The Woodlands.<ref name="HE1226457">[[Historic England]], [https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1226457 98, CLAPTON COMMON E5] ''National Heritage List for England'', list entry 1226457.</ref> The same body records “98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1–4 Belz Terrace)” on the Heritage at Risk register, in religious-organisation ownership.<ref name="HEHAR">[[Historic England]], [https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/198836 98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1-4 Belz Terrace) E5 - Hackney] ''Heritage at Risk Register'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The neighbouring villa at 96 Clapton Common (Stainforth House) was locally listed. Both villas are among the last surviving examples of the early-nineteenth-century villa suburb developed on Clapton Common by the Tyssen family from about 1820. The [[Hackney Society]] records that the [[Belz Foundation]] acquired 96 and 98 in 1973 for school use.<ref name="HackneyWalk">[[Hackney Society]], [https://www.hackneysociety.org/documents/Clapton_Common_walk.pdf Clapton Common walk] ''Hackney Society'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="Hackney71">Julia Lafferty, [https://www.hackneysociety.org/documents/71_spaces_draft_07_web_version.pdf 98 Clapton Common] ''Hackney Society / 71 Spaces'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref> A Hackney planning report of 2012 described 96, 98 and 98a as converted to nursery, school, library and synagogue use.<ref name="HackneyPlan">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee report: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common] ''Hackney Council'', 15 August 2012.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The same postcode is used by [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School]], [[BELZ Nursery School]] and [[Dover Sholem Community Trust]] (charity number 1138710).<ref name="OfstedTTMH">[[Ofsted]], [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/27/100294 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School] ''Ofsted'', URN 100294, address 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===== Schools =====
 
−
 
 
−
Independent Belz-associated schools in Hackney include:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|+ Selected Belz-associated schools in London
 
−
! School !! Address !! Notes
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School]] || 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN || Independent Charedi boys' school, URN 100294; proprietor [[Moreshet Hatorah Ltd]]; headteacher Rabbi C. Silbiger; telephone 020 8800 6599. Founded 1973. Ofsted overall effectiveness July 2024: Requires improvement (previously Inadequate).<ref name="OfstedTTMH" /><ref name="GIAS_TTMH">[[Department for Education]], [https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/100294 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School] ''Get Information about Schools'', URN 100294.</ref>
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[BELZ Nursery School]] || 1–4 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || Early years setting at the same postcode as the boys' school.<ref name="OfstedTTMH" />
+
| [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School]] || 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN || Boys, 3–11; 508 pupils || Proprietor [[Moreshet Hatorah Ltd]]; headteacher Rabbi C. Silbiger || URN 100294. [[Ofsted]] describes it as founded in 1973; most recent inspection 9 June 2026<ref name="GIAS_TTMH" /><ref name="OfstedTTMHEmerg" /><ref name="OfstedTTMH" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Beis Malka Girls' School]] || 93 Alkham Road, London N16 6XD (nursery/Reception also at Timberwharf Road, N16 6DB) || Independent girls' school ages 2–16, URN 100295; about 599 pupils. Ofsted December 2024: Requires improvement. Featured in 2015 reporting on a proposed ban on women drivers collecting pupils.<ref name="GIAS_Malka">[[Department for Education]], [https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/100295 Beis Malka Girls' School] ''Get Information about Schools'', URN 100295.</ref><ref name="OfstedMalka">[[Ofsted]], [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/27/100295 Beis Malka Girls' School] ''Ofsted'', URN 100295.</ref><ref name="C4_2015">[[Channel 4 News]], [https://www.channel4.com/news/jewish-hasidic-driving-ban-women-belz-bais-malka Jewish sect schools back down over driving ban] ''Channel 4 News'', May 2015.</ref>
+
| [[Beis Malka Girls' School]] || 93 Alkham Road, London N16 6XD || Girls, 2–16; 611 pupils || Proprietor [[Aaron Grossman]]; headteacher Mrs G. Wind || URN 100295. Ofsted, 17 December 2024: requires improvement<ref name="GIAS_Malka" /><ref name="OfstedMalka" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Beis Aharon]] (Beis Aharon Dchasidei Belz Boys School) || Stamford Hill (Bethune Road area) || Independent Belz boys' school to age 13. Ofsted rated Inadequate, later Good (reported September 2025).<ref name="JC_Aharon">Simon Rocker, [https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/chasidic-boys-school-in-stamford-hill-receives-good-rating-from-ofsted-u60m6p1h Chasidic boys’ school in Stamford Hill receives good rating from Ofsted] ''Jewish Chronicle'', 8 September 2025.</ref>
+
| [[Beis Aharon]] || Stamford Hill || Boys, to age 13 || || Run by Belz Hasidim. Rated inadequate in 2022 and good in 2025<ref name="JC_Aharon" />
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Charities and offices ====
+
===== Belz Terrace and listed buildings =====
 +
The [[Belz Foundation]] bought 96 and 98 [[Clapton Common]] in 1973 for use as a school.<ref name="Hackney71" /> The two early 19th-century villas, Stainforth House (96, locally listed) and The Woodlands (98, Grade II listed), are the last survivors of the villa suburb built by the Tyssen family from 1820. In 2009 the Belz Foundation won planning permission to demolish Stainforth House and build a large extension to The Woodlands.<ref name="HackneyWalk" /> [[Historic England]] lists 98 Clapton Common at Grade II (list entry 1226457), first listed on 4 February 1975.<ref name="HE1226457" /> It also places "98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1-4 [[Belz Terrace]])" on its Heritage at Risk Register.<ref name="HEHAR" />
 +
 
 +
A 2012 report to [[London Borough of Hackney|Hackney Council]]'s Planning Sub-Committee described 96, 98 and 98a Clapton Common as early to mid-19th-century villas that had been converted for use as a nursery, school, library and synagogue.<ref name="HackneyPlanp3" /> The application it considered (2012/1405, for 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL) was made by the Belz Heritage Foundation, the name then used by [[Belz Foundation Ltd]], with [[Parritt Leng]] as agent. It proposed demolishing no. 96 and putting up a school building of two and four storeys with a basement, and a single-storey synagogue with a basement for 200 worshippers facing Overlea Road. A new playground would go behind nos. 98 and 98a. The site would become a school campus, taking in the existing school and nursery, for up to 850 pupils, an increase of 350.<ref name="HackneyPlanp1" /> The report gave the number of pupils then on the site as 500.<ref name="HackneyPlanp14" /> It put the existing school, nursery and synagogue floorspace at 1,266&nbsp;m² and the proposed floorspace at 4,325&nbsp;m², with car parking cut from 16 general spaces to four and 30 cycle spaces added.<ref name="HackneyPlanp2" /> The school would open from 08:00 to 18:00 every day, closing only on Jewish holidays, and the synagogue would stay open 24 hours a day, as it already was.<ref name="HackneyPlanp14" />
  
−
UK-registered charities and companies that use the Belz name, or that are the registered offices and proprietors of Belz institutions, include the following. Addresses are those on the [[Charity Commission]] or [[Companies House]] register unless noted.
+
The report stated that no. 98 is listed at Grade II and no. 96 is locally listed, but that no. 98a is not listed. It also said the site faces the Clapton Common Conservation Area but lies outside it. It recorded an earlier permission (2009/0741, granted on 11 December 2009) to demolish no. 96 and put up a part two-, part five-storey building for a new school and synagogue, and listed building consent for repairs to no. 98.<ref name="HackneyPlanp3" /> The council's conservation officers wrote that the 2009 scheme had not been carried out.<ref name="HackneyPlanp10" /> Of 86 neighbouring occupiers consulted, seven supported the application and five objected, citing noise, the concentration of schools and synagogues in the area, parking and waste. The [[Clapton Conservation Areas Advisory Committee]] objected that demolishing no. 96 and joining a four-storey building to no. 98 would harm the listed building and the conservation area. It cited the architectural historian [[Ann Robey]] and the houses' past association with the bishop [[William Walsham How]].<ref name="HackneyPlanp4" /> The conservation officers accepted the loss of no. 96, saying unsympathetic alterations had stripped much of its heritage significance. They judged the neo-Georgian school building and the stone-and-stucco synagogue to be suitable replacements.<ref name="HackneyPlanp10" /> The case officer recommended that permission be granted subject to 19 conditions. These included a management plan for the school's shuttle bus, an updated school travel plan, school use limited to 08:00–18:00 and the synagogue limited to synagogue use.<ref name="HackneyPlanp2" /><ref name="HackneyPlanp19" />
  
 +
==== Greater Manchester ====
 +
Belz has a synagogue complex in [[Salford]] and a boys' school, [[Talmud Torah D'chassidie Belz]] (URN 149571), at 157 Bevendon Square, Salford M7 4TP, which Ofsted rated good in June 2024.<ref name="CBM" /><ref name="OfstedSalford" />
  
 +
==== Westcliff-on-Sea ====
 +
[[Westcliff-on-Sea]] has a Haredi congregation, [[Westcliff Charedi Synagogue]] (charity 1192449), registered on 20 November 2020, is at 16 Hildaville Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8NJ. Its office is at 25A Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0BE. The trustees are [[Avrohom Brief]] (chair), [[David Cohen Katz]] and [[Joseph Sternberg]].<ref name="CCWestcliff" /><ref name="JCRWestcliff" /> In 2020 the congregation proposed a synagogue with a mikveh on a disused warehouse site.<ref name="JCWestcliff" /> In December 2025 Southend planners approved turning a house on Fleetwood Avenue into a mikveh. The congregation had been renting the [[Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation]]'s mikveh in Genesta Road.<ref name="EchoMikveh" />
 +
 +
==== Charities ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
|+ Belz-named and Belz-institution charities and offices in the UK
+
|+ Belz-named and Belz-linked charities in England
−
! Name !! Charity no. !! Office !! Notes
+
! Charity !! Number !! Address (register) !! Trustees (register) !! Finances and notes
−
|-
 
−
| [[Cosmon (Belz) Limited]] (working name Cosmon Belz Ltd) || 266130 || 34 Heathland Road, London N16 5LZ || Charitable company (01064198), registered 31 October 1973. Grants for Orthodox Jewish religion and education. Gift Aid recognised. Accounts to 31 March 2021 listed grants including to [[Moreshet Hatorah Ltd]], [[Dover Sholem Community Trust]], Belz Kollel and Belz Manchester.<ref name="CosmonFull">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/266130/full-print COSMON (BELZ) LIMITED - 266130] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Belz Israel Charitable Trust]] || 1083890 || 48 Lynmouth Road, London N16 6XL || Registered 30 November 2000. Grant-making for Orthodox Jewish religious education and religion, relief of poverty, and overseas aid. Operates in [[Hackney]] and Israel. Income year to 31 December 2024: £402,078; expenditure £396,616. Telephone 020 8806 5323. Trustees recorded: [[Charles Silbiger]], [[Martin Imann]], [[Pinchos Fink]].<ref name="BICTFull">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3975123/full-print BELZ ISRAEL CHARITABLE TRUST - 1083890] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Belz Foundation Ltd]] (previous name The Belz Heritage Foundation Ltd; working name BHF Ltd) || 1112150 || 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || Company 05423453, incorporated 13 April 2005; charity registered 18 November 2005. Grant-making in Hackney and Israel. Income year to 31 March 2025: £1.20m. Former registered addresses include 96–98 Clapton Common, E5 9AL, and 34 Heathland Road, N16 5LZ.<ref name="BelzFdnCH">[[Companies House]], [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05423453 BELZ FOUNDATION LTD] company 05423453, accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="BelzFdnCC">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018115/full-print BELZ FOUNDATION LTD - 1112150] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Belz Communities]] || 1111457 || 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE || Educational and recreational services for Orthodox Jewish families in Greater Manchester. Telephone 0161 740 9210.<ref name="BelzCommAddr">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/4018306/contact-information BELZ COMMUNITIES contact] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd]] || 1124718 || 40 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW || Synagogue and religious centre costs in Manchester. Income year to 30 April 2025: £171,072.<ref name="Machnovka">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4039813/full-print BELZ MACHNOVKA (M/C) LTD - 1124718] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka]] || 1126075 || 83-95 Bethune Road, London, N16 5ED || Supports Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka institutions in Israel and related UK activity. Named in the first tranche of the May 2025 Charity Commission class inquiry into cashed cheques.<ref name="CCInquiry">[[Charity Commission]], [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/serious-concerns-over-use-of-22-million-triggers-investigation-by-charity-regulator Serious concerns over use of £22 million triggers investigation by charity regulator] ''GOV.UK'', 14 May 2025.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd]] || 1186741 || 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED || Registered 4 December 2019. Grants, poverty relief and religious education.<ref name="KollelGiG">Giving is Great, [https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1186741 Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd] ''Giving is Great'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Belz Gemach Fund]] || 1046707 || — || Interest-free loan fund. Removed from the register; last published accounts year to 31 December 2017.<ref name="Gemach">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1046707/full-print BELZ GEMACH FUND - 1046707] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[The Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass Trust]] || (see register) || Linked to 1 Belz Terrace school site || Named among other trusteeships of [[Jehudah Baumgarten]] of Cosmon (Belz) Limited.<ref name="CosmonTrustees">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/266130/trustees Trustees COSMON (BELZ) LIMITED] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Cosmon (Belz) Limited]] || 266130 || 34 Heathland Road, London N16 5LZ || [[Schloime Rand]], [[Jehudah Baumgarten]], [[Yitzchok Menachem Sternlicht]] || Registered 31 October 1973; company 01064198. Grants for Jewish religion. Income £435,716 and expenditure £360,436 in the year to 31 March 2025. Rand is also a trustee of [[Grand Belz Ltd]] and the Belz Foundation; Baumgarten of [[The Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass Trust]]<ref name="CosmonFull" /><ref name="CosmonTrustees" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Moreshet Hatorah Ltd]] || Proprietor of [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School]] || 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || School proprietor on the Department for Education register.<ref name="GIAS_TTMH">[[Department for Education]], [https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/100294 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School] ''Get Information about Schools'', URN 100294.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Foundation Ltd]] (formerly The Belz Heritage Foundation Ltd) || 1112150 || 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || [[Schloime Rand]], [[Yitzchok Menachem Sternlicht]] || Company 05423453, incorporated 13 April 2005 (renamed 30 December 2015); charity registered 18 November 2005. Income £1,201,443 and expenditure £1,180,552 in the year to 31 March 2025<ref name="BelzFdnCH" /><ref name="BelzFdnCC" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Belz Cheder Ltd]] || Proprietor of [[Talmud Torah D’chassidie Belz]] || 157 Bevendon Square, Salford M7 4TP || School proprietor; Ofsted inspection June 2024.<ref name="OfstedSalford">[[Ofsted]], [https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50256388 Inspection of Talmud Torah D’chassidie Belz] ''Ofsted'', 4–6 June 2024.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Israel Charitable Trust]] || 1083890 || 48 Lynmouth Road, London N16 6XL || [[Pinchos Fink]], [[Martin Imann]], [[Charles Silbiger]] || Registered 30 November 2000. Education, poverty relief and overseas aid in Hackney and Israel. Income £755,055 and expenditure £662,382 in the year to 31 December 2025<ref name="BICTFull" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Dover Sholem Community Trust]] || 1138710 || 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || Grant-making for Orthodox Jewish faith, education and poverty relief. Same address as the Belz Terrace school and foundation. Added to the Charity Commission class inquiry in September 2025.<ref name="CCDover">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5012840 DOVER SHOLEM COMMUNITY TRUST - 1138710] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 12 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Dover Sholem Community Trust]] (formerly Children Ahead) || 1138710 || 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN || [[Haim Dov Francoz]] || Registered 29 October 2010. Income £3,212,183 in the year to 31 March 2025. Subject of a [[Charity Commission]] inquiry from September 2025 (see below)<ref name="CCDover" /><ref name="ThirdSectorSept" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Grand Belz Ltd]] || (see register) || — || Recorded as another trusteeship of [[Schloime Rand]] of Cosmon (Belz) Limited and Belz Foundation Ltd.<ref name="CosmonTrustees" />
+
| [[Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka]] || 1126075 || 83–95 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED || [[Elozer Yonah Brander]] (chair), [[Chaye Gitel Krautwirt]], [[Menachem Lieber]] || Registered 26 September 2008. Supports the Mercaz Hatorah Belz Machnovka in Jerusalem. Subject of a Charity Commission inquiry from May 2025 (see below)<ref name="CCMercaz" /><ref name="CCInquiry" />
−
|}
 
−
Greater Manchester charities frequently listed in the same trustee networks as Belz communal bodies, but not all using the Belz name, include [[The Helping Foundation]], [[The Sympathetic Trust]], [[New Marston Limited]], [[A W Charitable Trust]], [[RNH Synagogue & College Ltd]], [[The Sanz Foundation]], [[The Reisner Charitable Foundation Ltd]], [[Broom Foundation]], [[M and M Foundation]] and [[British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer]].
 
−
 
 
−
==== Salford and Greater Manchester ====
 
−
 
 
−
Registered charities that use the Belz name, or that fund Belz synagogue and school premises in Salford and Manchester:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
−
|+ Belz-named charities and institutions in Salford / Manchester
 
−
! Name !! Charity no. !! Office !! Notes
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Chassidei Belz Manchester]] || 326480 || Correspondence: Haffner Hoff Ltd, 2nd Floor Parkgates, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0TL || Registered 12 January 1984. Funds a synagogue complex in Salford. Income year to 5 April 2025: £530,145. Trustees include [[Jehuda Waldman]] (also [[The Bersam Trust]]), [[Nachman Vogiel]], [[Benjamin Leitner]] (also [[Broom Foundation]], [[Ohr Torah Ltd]]).<ref name="CBM">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/326480 CHASSIDEI BELZ MANCHESTER - 326480] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd]] || 1186741 || 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED || [[Cholem Friedman]], [[Getzel Weiss]] || Registered 4 December 2019; company 12214390. Income £233,257 in the year to 31 October 2025<ref name="CCKollel" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Belz Communities]] || 1111457 || 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE || Registered 26 September 2005. After-school and elderly support. Telephone 0161 740 9210. Gift Aid recognised. Trustees include links to [[Ohr Torah Ltd]] and [[Talmud Torah Chinuch Neorim]].<ref name="BelzCommAddr">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/4018306/contact-information BELZ COMMUNITIES contact] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Relief Limited]] || 1192313 || 140 High Road, London N15 6JN || [[Benny Hoffman]] (chair), [[Hirsch Rottenberg]], [[David Spitzer]] || Registered 12 November 2020. Poverty relief. Income £65,317 in the year to 30 June 2025<ref name="CCBelzRelief" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd]] || 1124718 || 40 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW || Registered 26 June 2008. Purchase and running costs of a Manchester synagogue and religious centre. Telephone 07773 684450. Income year to 30 April 2025: £171,072.<ref name="Machnovka">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4039813/full-print BELZ MACHNOVKA (M/C) LTD - 1124718] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Gemach Fund]] || 1046707 || || || Loan fund; removed from the register. Last accounts for the year to 31 December 2017<ref name="Gemach" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Belz Cheder Ltd]] || School proprietor || 157 Bevendon Square, Salford M7 4TP || Proprietor of [[Talmud Torah D’chassidie Belz]] (URN 149571), registered as a school 1 June 2023. Ofsted June 2024: Good.<ref name="OfstedSalford">[[Ofsted]], [https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50256388 Inspection of Talmud Torah D’chassidie Belz] ''Ofsted'', 4–6 June 2024.</ref>
+
| [[Chassidei Belz Manchester]] || 326480 || c/o Haffner Hoff Ltd, 2nd Floor, Parkgates, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0TL || [[Jehuda Waldman]], [[Nachman Vogiel]], [[Benjamin Leitner]] || Registered 12 January 1984. Helps fund a synagogue complex in Salford. Income £530,145 in the year to 5 April 2025<ref name="CBM" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Belz Manchester]] (synagogue listing) || — || 28 Broom Lane, Manchester M19 2TW || Public minyan listing; Rabbi [[Aharon Grunfeld]]. Telephone (0161) 740 9210, matching Belz Communities.<ref name="GoDaven">GoDaven, [https://www.godaven.com/shul-details/3423/belz-manchester Belz Manchester] ''godaven.com'', updated 21 June 2020.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Communities]] || 1111457 || 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE || [[Itzchak Grosz]], [[David Neuwirth]], [[Joshua Waldman]] || Registered 26 September 2005. After-school and recreational services. Income £359,931 in the year to 5 April 2025<ref name="BelzComm" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[The Bersam Trust]] || 526452 || 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE || Same address as Belz Communities. Orthodox Jewish religion and education; operates in Salford. Trustee overlap with Chassidei Belz Manchester.<ref name="Bersam">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/c/portal/update_language?redirect=%2Fen%2Fabout-the-register-of-charities%2F-%2Fcharity-details%2F526452%2Ffull-print THE BERSAM TRUST] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
| [[Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd]] || 1124718 || 40 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW || [[David Spitzer]], [[Shimon Yisroel Brander]], [[Abraham Eliezer Waldman]] || Registered 26 June 2008; company 06561919. Repays loans for the purchase of premises. Income £171,072 in the year to 30 April 2025<ref name="Machnovka" />
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==== Westcliff-on-Sea ====
 
−
The Westcliff Charedi congregation is a separate registered charity serving families who moved from Stamford Hill. It is the local Chasidic synagogue and planned mikveh operator; Belz families are among those using the wider Westcliff kehillah.
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|+ Westcliff Charedi institutions
 
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! Name !! Charity no. !! Address !! Notes
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| [[Westcliff Charedi Synagogue]] (also styled Westcliff Chareidi Synagogue) || 1192449 || Office: 25A Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0BE. Synagogue site: 16 Hildaville Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8NJ || CIO registered 20 November 2020. Place of worship, study and grants. Planning for a warehouse-site shul with mikveh and Succot roof-lights submitted 2020.<ref name="WestcliffGiG">Giving is Great, [https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1192449 Westcliff Charedi Synagogue] ''Giving is Great'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="JCRWestcliff">[[JCR-UK]], [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/south6_charedi/index.htm Westcliff Charedi Synagogue] ''JewishGen / JCR-UK'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="JCWestcliff">Aleks Phillips, [https://www.thejc.com/news/community/westcliff-charedim-reveal-plans-for-a-synagogue-on-warehouse-site-lk3hyn9z Westcliff Charedim reveal plans for a synagogue on warehouse site] ''Jewish Chronicle'', 11 November 2020.</ref>
+
| [[The Bersam Trust]] || 526452 || 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE || [[Ignatius Moskovitz]], [[Jehuda Waldman]], [[Abraham Vogiel]], [[Joshua Waldman]] || Same address as Belz Communities. Income £233,531 in the year to 31 March 2025<ref name="Bersam" />
 
|-
 
|-
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| Proposed congregation mikveh || — || Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea (planning approved December 2025) || To be operated by Westcliff Chareidi Synagogue for its own members; not a public mikveh. The congregation had previously used the [[Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation]] mikveh at Genesta Road.<ref name="EchoMikveh">Christine Sexton, [https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/25708013.westcliff-home-approved-become-new-jewish-ritual-bath/ Westcliff home approved to become new Jewish ritual bath] ''Echo'', 19 December 2025.</ref>
+
| [[British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer]] || 1136917 || 66 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW || [[Refoel Halpern]], [[Nissim Hassan]], [[David Neuwirth]] || Registered 15 July 2010. Grants in Manchester and Israel. Income £4,225,000 and expenditure £4,208,154 in the year to 31 July 2025. Neuwirth is also a trustee of Belz Communities<ref name="BFEYKS" /><ref name="BFEYKSTrustees" />
 
|}
 
|}
−
No separate “Belz Westcliff” charity number appears on the Charity Commission register. [[Belz Relief Limited]] (1192313) is a UK poverty-relief company-charity (income year to 30 June 2025: £65,317) and is listed here for completeness of Belz-named registrations; its published objects do not specify a Salford or Westcliff office.<ref>[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5169105 BELZ RELIEF LIMITED - 1192313] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
−
===Israel===
 
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The centre of [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] is in [[Jerusalem]], with communities in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Kiryat Belz. The main landmark is the [[Belz Great Synagogue]] in Kiryat Belz, Jerusalem (completed 2002). [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] participates in discussions on Haredi service in the [[IDF]] and has approved limited core curriculum in its schools while opposing full conscription.<ref name="YIVO" />
 
−
==== Settlements and occupied territory ====
 
−
 
−
Belz is not a settlement movement in the religious-Zionist sense. The dynasty historically opposed Zionism and did not join interwar [[Agudat Yisrael]]; after 1948 it rebuilt in Tel Aviv and then Jerusalem and entered Haredi party politics. Its housing and schools follow the wider Haredi pattern: dense neighbourhoods inside Israel proper, plus some institutions in large ultra-Orthodox towns over the Green Line that were built mainly for cheap housing rather than as ideological outposts.<ref name="YIVOPol">David Assaf, [https://encyclopedia.yivo.org/article/186 Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', 12 February 2010.</ref><ref name="ToIHarediSettlers">[[Times of Israel]], [https://timesofisrael.com/black-is-the-new-orange-30-of-settlers-are-now-haredim Black is the new orange: 30% of settlers are now Haredim] ''Times of Israel''.</ref>
 
−
 
−
The international community, including the [[International Court of Justice]], treats Israeli civilian settlement in territory occupied in 1967 as illegal under international humanitarian law. The Israeli government disputes that characterisation. The notes below record where Belz institutions are documented; they do not treat every Haredi address in the West Bank as a Belz political project.
 
−
 
−
===== Jerusalem and Kiryat Belz =====
 
−
 
−
The global centre is [[Kiryat Belz]] in northern municipal Jerusalem (borders include [[Romema]], Tel Arza, Kiryat Unsdorf, Kiryat Mattersdorf and Kiryat Sanz). The neighbourhood and the Belz Great Synagogue (cornerstone 1984; dedicated 2000) sit in the Israeli-defined city, not in the West Bank settlement blocs and not in the East Jerusalem Palestinian neighbourhoods that dominate annexation reporting (Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah, Ras al-Amud).<ref name="JPostKiryat">Alex Winston, [https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-813898 Kiryat Belz: Unveiling Jerusalem’s Hassidic gem] ''Jerusalem Post'', 11 August 2024.</ref> Expanded municipal Jerusalem after 1967 remains disputed. No reliable source was found that presents Kiryat Belz as an East Jerusalem settlement planted in a confiscated Palestinian neighbourhood.
 
−
 
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===== West Bank =====
 
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Lists of Belz yeshivas include a yeshiva gedola in [[Beitar]] (Beitar Illit), the large Haredi city in the Gush Etzion area south-west of Jerusalem.<ref name="WikiYeshivasNote">Community and encyclopaedia lists of Belz yeshivas name Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Ashdod, Beitar and Haifa among Israeli sites; Beitar Illit is beyond the Green Line.</ref> [[Beitar Illit]] and [[Modi'in Illit]] (Kiryat Sefer) are the two biggest Haredi settlements; together they account for a large share of the ultra-Orthodox population living over the Green Line. Residents and mayors have repeatedly said families moved there because the state directed subsidised housing there, not because of Gush Emunim-style ideology.<ref name="ToIHarediSettlers" /> Hasidic groups documented as numerous in Beitar Illit include Bobov, Boston, Boyan, Breslov, Karlin-Stolin and Slonim; Belz is not named as the founding or dominant court of that city.<ref name="BeitarCharacter">Local community guides describe Beitar Illit as mixed Haredi/Hasidic; Belz is not listed as the founding sect.</ref>
 
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−
No source was found that Belz founded an outpost, hilltop or named settlement in the northern West Bank, Jordan Valley or Hebron Hills, or that the Rebbe directed a Belz colonisation programme comparable to religious-Zionist settlement NGOs.
 
−
====== British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer ======
 
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−
[[British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer]] (charity number 1136917) is a Salford grant-making trust, registered 15 July 2010. Its published activity is “grants in line with the trust deed.” The Commission records operation in Manchester and Israel. It is not Gift Aid recognised and declares no policies. Office: 66 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW. Telephone 0161 792 1230.<ref name="BFEYKS">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4050388/full-print BRITISH FRIENDS OF EZRAT YISRAEL KIRYAT SEFER - 1136917] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
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Income and spending are large for a three-trustee poverty-relief vehicle: year to 31 July 2024, income £3.40 million and expenditure £3.95 million; findthatcharity records £4.23 million incoming for the year to 31 July 2025.<ref name="BFEYKS" /><ref name="FindBFEYKS">Find that Charity, [https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1136917 British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer] GB-CHC-1136917.</ref>
 
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−
======= Link to Belz =======
 
−
 
−
The charity does not use “Belz” in its title. The link is through trusteeship. [[David Neuwirth]] is a trustee and is also a trustee of [[Belz Communities]] (1111457) and of the Salford cluster that includes [[Ohr Torah Ltd]], [[Broom Foundation]], [[New Marston Limited]], [[The Helping Foundation]], [[The Reisner Charitable Foundation Ltd]], [[RNH Synagogue & College Ltd]], [[The Sanz Foundation]], [[The Sympathetic Trust]] and [[Convalescent Retreat Limited]]. Fellow trustees [[Refoel Halpern]] and [[Nissim Hassan]] overlap the same Salford companies.<ref name="BFEYKSTrustees">[[Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/4050388/trustees Trustees BRITISH FRIENDS OF EZRAT YISRAEL KIRYAT SEFER] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
−
That is a Belz-''network'' charity in Greater Manchester, not a London Belz Foundation or Cosmon (Belz) vehicle.
 
−
 
−
=== Kiryat Sefer / Modi'in Illit ===
 
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−
[[Kiryat Sefer]] is the Haredi name for the core of [[Modi'in Illit]], the largest Israeli settlement city in the West Bank (east of the Green Line in the hills of Binyamin). The international community treats civilian settlement there as illegal under occupation law; 'Israel' disputes that. The city’s population is overwhelmingly Haredi and grew as a state-backed housing outlet for Bnei Brak and similar communities, not as a Belz-founded colony.<ref name="ToIHarediSettlers">[[Times of Israel]], [https://timesofisrael.com/black-is-the-new-orange-30-of-settlers-are-now-haredim Black is the new orange: 30% of settlers are now Haredim] ''Times of Israel''.</ref>
 
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−
The charity’s name and “Israel” classification mean grants are aimed at people and institutions associated with that town. The register does not publish a grant-by-grant list on the overview page.
 
−
 
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===== Gaza =====
 
−
 
−
Israel dismantled its Gaza settlements in 2005. No Belz town, yeshiva campus or court in the Gaza Strip appears in standard settlement or dynasty lists. During the post-7 October 2023 war the Belzer Rebbe was reported as cancelling a usual holiday trip and as joining other Hasidic courts in draft-evaluation disputes; that is wartime communal politics inside Israel, not a Gaza settlement presence.<ref name="INNBelzTag">[[Israel National News]] Belz tag index, items on draft evaluations and wartime travel, accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
−
===== Golan Heights =====
 
−
 
−
No Belz settlement, neighbourhood or yeshiva in the Israeli-occupied Golan was identified. A well-known 1972 report of Hasidim visiting Golan trenches concerned [[Chabad-Lubavitch]], not Belz.<ref name="NYTGolan">Moshe Brilliant, [https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/10/archives/hasidic-jews-in-flowing-beards-and-black-hats-bring-religion-to.html Hasidic Jews, in Flowing Beards and Black Hats, Bring Religion to Golan Trenches] ''New York Times'', 10 December 1972.</ref>
 
−
 
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===== Related wording =====
 
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Belz publications sometimes use “settlement” for new housing estates in the United States (for example a planned “Kiryas Belz USA” near New York and New Jersey). That usage means a suburban community, not an occupied-territory settlement.<ref name="WorldBelzUSA">World of Belz, [https://worldofbelz.org/new-belz-settlement-in-the-usa/ NEW BELZ SETTLEMENT IN THE USA] ''worldofbelz.org'', 1 January 2026.</ref>
 
−
 
−
===United States===
 
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[[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] maintains sizable communities in Brooklyn (Borough Park), Monsey and Lakewood with dedicated yeshivas and synagogues following the same insular model.
 
−
 
−
==Political and social role==
 
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[[Belz (Hasidic dynasty)]] has been affiliated with [[Agudat Yisrael]] since the post-Holocaust period and forms part of the [[Agudat Yisrael]] faction within [[United Torah Judaism]] ([[UTJ]]) in [[Israel]]. The current Rebbe [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] guides this faction. [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] has taken pragmatic positions on some Haredi issues including education and [[IDF]] service protocols but remains opposed to full conscription. It is not prominently linked to West Bank settlements.
 
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−
 
−
 
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==Belz yeshivas==
 
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Belz maintains 12 [[yeshiva]]s in Israel: 7 [[yeshiva gedola]]s (including two in [[Ashdod]], and one each in [[Jerusalem]], [[Bnei Brak]], [[Betar]], [[Bet shemesh]], and [[Haifa]]); 5 [[Mesivta|yeshiva ketanas]] (in [[Kiryat Yearim|Telzstone]], Bnei Brak, Ashdod, [[Beit Hilkia]], and [[Komemiyut]]); and 7 other yeshiva ketanas around the world — in [[Antwerp]], [[London]], [[Montreal]], [[Monsey, New York|Monsey]], and three in [[Borough Park, Brooklyn]], and one in Lakewood, New Jersey.
 
  
−
The Belz network of [[Bais Yaakov#Hasidic schools|girls' schools]] are under the names ''Bnos Belz'' and ''Beis [[Malka Rokeach|Malka]]''.
+
[[Kiryat Sefer]], named in the last charity, is another name for [[Modi'in Illit]], one of the largest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.<ref name="ToIHarediSettlers" /> The [[International Court of Justice]] found in 2024 that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem "have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law".<ref name="ICJ2024" />
  
−
The rapper [[Shyne]], who converted to Judaism, studied with Hasidim from the Belz group in Jerusalem.<ref>[https://crownheights.info/jewish-news/36566/shyne-the-bad-boy-rap-star-whos-now-a-chassid/ Shyne: The Bad-Boy Rap Star Who's Now a Chassid] CrownHeights.info - Chabad News, Crown Heights News, Lubavitch News</ref>
+
== Politics ==
 +
Biale and his co-authors write that, unlike the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the heads of the three largest Hasidic groups, Ger, Vizhnits and Belz, "on the whole took a more flexible and dovish stance on the question of the territories that Israel came to control after the 1967 War".<ref name="BialeBook713">David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, ''Hasidism: A New History'', Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 713.</ref> They also note that Shlomo Rokeah of Yaroslav, "a scion of the Belz dynasty, who broke off and formed a small court of his own", is based in the West Bank settlement of [[Modi'in Illit]].<ref name="BialeBook710">David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, ''Hasidism: A New History'', Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 710.</ref>
  
−
==Notable Belz Hasidim==
+
In Israel Belz is part of the Hasidic [[Agudat Yisrael]] wing of [[United Torah Judaism]] ([[UTJ]]), the joint list formed in 1992 by Agudat Yisrael and the Lithuanian [[Degel HaTorah]]. UTJ won seven seats in the 25th Knesset and has been a key partner of [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]'s coalition bloc.<ref name="JPostUTJ" /> In July 2025 UTJ left Netanyahu's coalition over a bill to limit draft exemptions for Haredi men.<ref name="BloombergUTJ" /><ref name="IPF" /> The ''Jerusalem Post'' reported in September 2026 that UTJ could in theory help an anti-Netanyahu bloc form a government.<ref name="JPostGafni" />
  
−
*[[Yaakov Yechezkiya Greenwald]] (1882–1941), rabbi
+
A blog post by Eitan Chikli on the ''[[Times of Israel]]'' blogs platform in August 2026 set out the background. It said Agudat Yisrael had been founded in Katowice in 1912 by Orthodox rabbis from Eastern Europe who rejected assimilation and Zionism. In June 1947 [[David Ben-Gurion]], for the [[Jewish Agency]], negotiated a "status quo agreement" with Agudat Yisrael covering the Sabbath in public institutions, kashrut, the jurisdiction of religious courts over marriage and divorce, and public funding for an autonomous religious school system. In 1988 Rabbi [[Elazar Shach]] broke with Agudat Yisrael, which the post described as "then dominated by Hasidic groups", and founded Degel HaTorah. The post said the joint UTJ list had split at times, notably in 2004, before reuniting, and that in 2020 the share of places on the list, which had previously favoured Agudat Yisrael, was rebalanced. Within UTJ, according to the post, Agudat Yisrael represents the Hasidic camp and Degel HaTorah the Lithuanian camp, and major political decisions formally need the approval of a council of senior rabbis.<ref name="ToIBlog" />
−
*[[Shulem Lemmer]] (born 1989), singer
 
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*[[Yaakov Yitzhak Neumann]] (1920–2007), rabbi
 
−
*[[Aharon Mordechai Rokeach]] (born 1975), rabbi
 
−
*[[Mordechai Rokeach]] (1902–1949), rabbi
 
  
 +
The post listed the party's priorities as funding for yeshivas and schools, support for families, the religious status quo and, above all, the exemption of yeshiva students from military service. It said UTJ had been allied with [[Likud]] under Netanyahu since the 1990s: the Haredi parties supplied seats, and Likud protected their education system, their budgets and the status of yeshiva students. It described 2025 and 2026 as a period of parliamentary boycotts, threats to leave the coalition, arrests of yeshiva students who refused the draft and demonstrations at military sites. In the author's view, a Basic Law passed in July 2026 that defined Torah study as a "fundamental value" of the Jewish people and the state deepened the polarisation.<ref name="ToIBlog" />
  
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==Key events and controversies==
+
In September 2026 Belz moved to replace its long-serving Knesset member [[Yisrael Eichler]] with [[Elyakim Stark]], chairman of the Belz executive committee.<ref name="VINStark" /> Stark and [[Meir Porush]] of [[Shlomei Emunim]] then registered a new party, [[Homat Torat Yisrael]] ("Wall of the Torah of Israel"), alleging discrimination by the [[Ger (Hasidic dynasty)|Ger]]-led "Central Faction".<ref name="INNPorush" /> UTJ submitted its slate as an alliance of three parties: Degel HaTorah, Agudat Yisrael and the new party. Stark was sixth on the list. Belz and Shlomei Emunim said the move was not a withdrawal from Agudat Yisrael.<ref name="YeshivaWorldSlate" />
−
* 2015 female driving ban: UK leadership issued guidance barring children of mothers who drove from [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] schools, based on advice from the Rebbe in [[Israel]]. The policy was retracted after investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.<ref name="Guardian" /><ref name="Channel4" />
 
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* 2017 Rebbe visit: Thousands attended the visit by [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] to London to open the new facility.
 
  
−
== Timeline ==
+
== Controversies ==
 +
=== Allegations and investigations ===
 +
* '''Driving ban, 2015.''' In May 2015 ''[[The Jewish Chronicle]]'' reported that Belz rabbis in Stamford Hill had told parents in a letter that women driving went against "the traditional rules of modesty in our camp" and against the norms of Hasidic institutions. Leaders of Belz educational institutions signed the letter and the community's rabbis endorsed it. It said that from August children would be barred from Belz schools if their mothers drove them there, and that the Belzer Rebbe in Israel, [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]], had advised them to adopt the policy. [[Dina Brawer]], UK ambassador of the [[Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance]], said the ban was about men's power and control over women, and compared it with the ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia. The paper wrote that, although many Hasidic women did not drive, this was thought to be the first formal declaration against the practice in the UK. It added that some Hasidic groups, such as [[Chabad|Lubavitch]], had no such policy. The local Belz women's organisation, [[Neshei Belz]], issued a statement. It said its members valued belonging to a community that respected the highest standards of refinement, morality and dignity, and that they saw driving as a high-pressure activity in which their values could be compromised by exposure to road rage, bad language and other inappropriate behaviour. It added that they did not disrespect people who lived differently or the choices they made. The paper also noted that the community's main boys' and girls' schools, [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School|Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass]] and [[Beis Malka Girls' School|Beis Malka]], were at that time rated good by [[Ofsted]].<ref name="JC2015" /> In June 2015 the [[Equality and Human Rights Commission]] said the ruling was unlawful.<ref name="Guardian2015" /> The schools' chief executive, [[Ahron Klein]], then said that no children would be barred from the TTMH Belz Day School or [[Beis Malka]] Girls' School.<ref name="C4_2015" />
 +
* '''Charity Commission inquiry, 2025.''' In May 2025 the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] opened a class inquiry after HMRC identified charities whose cheques, worth about £22 million, had been cashed. Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka was among the first ten charities named.<ref name="CCInquiry" /> Dover Sholem Community Trust, registered at 1 Belz Terrace, was added in September 2025.<ref name="ThirdSectorSept" /><ref name="CCDover" /> An inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing.
  
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* 1779: Birth of [[Shalom Rokeach]] (the ''Sar Shalom''), founder of the dynasty; some reference works give 1783.<ref name="JVL">[[Jewish Virtual Library]], [https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/belz.html Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''Encyclopaedia Judaica'' / JVL, accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="YIVO">David Assaf, [https://encyclopedia.yivo.org/article/186 Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', 12 February 2010.</ref>
+
== See also ==
−
* c. 1816–1817: [[Shalom Rokeach]] is appointed rabbi of Belz (eastern Galicia, now Ukraine) and establishes the [[Belz Hasidic dynasty]] court; YIVO dates the court to around 1817.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaKingdom">[[Mishpacha]], [https://mishpacha.com/a-kingdom-rebuilt/ A Kingdom Rebuilt: How Rav Aharon Rokeach brought postwar Belz back to life] ''Mishpacha'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
+
* [[Belz non profits in the US]]
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* 1843: Dedication of the Great Synagogue of Belz, a fortress-style building later destroyed after the 1939 German occupation.<ref name="JPostKiryat">[[Jerusalem Post]], [https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-813898 Unveiling Jerusalem's gem of Kiryat Belz] ''Jerusalem Post'', 11 August 2024.</ref>
 
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* 1855: Death of the first Rebbe; succeeded by his youngest son [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] (1825–1894).<ref name="JVL" /><ref name="YIVO" />
 
−
* 1879: [[Yehoshua Rokeach]] is among the founders of [[Machzikei Hadas]] (Makhzikey ha-Das), the Galician ultra-Orthodox political organisation.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaKingdom" />
 
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* 1894: Death of the second Rebbe; succeeded by [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] (third Rebbe; 1854–1926).<ref name="JVL" /><ref name="YIVO" />
 
−
* 1914–1918: The court flees Belz during the First World War; the third Rebbe sojourns in Hungary, including Munkács, before returning toward Galicia.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="JVL" />
 
−
* 1921–1925: After Hungary the third Rebbe settles first at Holschitz near Jarosław and returns to Belz in 1925.<ref name="JVL" />
 
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* 1926: Death of the third Rebbe; succeeded by his eldest son [[Aharon Rokeach]] (fourth Rebbe; born 1880 per Judaica sources).<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="JVL" /><ref name="MishpachaKingdom" />
 
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* 1930s: An early Belz synagogue operates on Commercial Road in London’s East End, before the later shift to Stamford Hill.<ref name="JewishEastEnd">Jewish East End of London, [http://www.jewisheastend.com/belz.html Memories of the Belzer synagogue] ''jewisheastend.com'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
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* 1939: German occupation of Belz; the Great Synagogue is wrecked (attempts to burn and dynamite it are followed by forced demolition).<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
 
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* 1943: [[Aharon Rokeach]] and his brother [[Mordechai Rokeach]] of Biłgoraj escape the Bochnia ghetto and reach Budapest.<ref name="YIVO" />
 
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* 1944: The surviving brothers reach the Land of Israel (Tel Aviv) and begin to rebuild the court; Belz later marks this arrival as ''Yom Hahatzalah''.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaBorn">[[Mishpacha]], [https://mishpacha.com/born-to-lead/ Born to Lead] ''Mishpacha'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
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* 1948: Birth of [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] (fifth and current Rebbe), only son of Mordechai of Biłgoraj, in Israel; his uncle Aharon is sandek at the bris.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
 
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* 1949: Death of [[Mordechai Rokeach]] of Biłgoraj.<ref name="YIVO" />
 
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* 1954–1957: Cornerstone and completion of a Belz yeshiva and study hall in Jerusalem under Aharon.<ref name="MishpachaKingdom" />
 
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* 21 Av 1957: Death of the fourth Rebbe [[Aharon Rokeach]]; a leadership interregnum follows while the orphaned nephew is prepared for office.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
 
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* 1962: [[Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh]] on Bethune Road, Stamford Hill, is founded about this year (UOHC-affiliated).<ref name="JCRBethune">[[JCR-UK]], [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/london/stamford_shteibls/beltz.htm Chasidey Belz Beth Hemedrash, Bethune Road] ''JewishGen / JCR-UK'', updated 15 March 2015.</ref>
 
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* 1965: Marriage of the future fifth Rebbe in Kiryat Vizhnitz, Bnei Brak.<ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
 
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* June–July 1966: [[Yissachar Dov Rokeach]] accepts the leadership and is installed as fifth Belzer Rebbe in Jerusalem (28 July 1966 in some accounts), aged 18.<ref name="YIVO" /><ref name="MishpachaKingdom" />
 
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* 1973: Belz Foundation acquires 96 and 98 Clapton Common, London, for school use; [[Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School]] is later recorded as founded in 1973 at what becomes 1 Belz Terrace.<ref name="Hackney71">Julia Lafferty, [https://www.hackneysociety.org/documents/71_spaces_draft_07_web_version.pdf 98 Clapton Common] ''Hackney Society'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref><ref name="OfstedTTMHEmerg">[[Ofsted]], [https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50143426 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School emergency inspection] 5 December 2019 (school founded 1973).</ref>
 
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* 12 October 1975: Birth of [[Aharon Mordechai Rokeach]], son of the fifth Rebbe.<ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
 
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* 1984: Cornerstone of the new Belz Great Synagogue in [[Kiryat Belz]], Jerusalem.<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
 
−
* 1993: Wedding of Aharon Mordechai Rokeach in Kiryat Belz.<ref name="MishpachaBorn" />
 
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* 2000: Dedication of the Belz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem after about fifteen years of construction, built as an enlarged replica of the 1843 Belz shul.<ref name="JPostKiryat" />
 
−
* May–June 2015: London Belz leadership instructs that women should not drive, including school collection; the [[Equality and Human Rights Commission]] calls such a ban unlawful; schools including [[Beis Malka]] step back from gate enforcement.<ref name="Guardian">Haroon Siddique, [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/05/ultra-orthodox-jewish-sect-belz-women-driver-ban-illegal-equality-commission Ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect's female driver ban 'unlawful and discriminatory'] ''The Guardian'', 5 June 2015.</ref><ref name="JC2015">Simon Rocker, [http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/136878/stamford-hill-sect-bans-women-drivers Stamford Hill sect bans women drivers] ''Jewish Chronicle'', 8 May 2015.</ref><ref name="Channel4">[[Channel 4 News]], [https://www.channel4.com/news/jewish-hasidic-driving-ban-women-belz-bais-malka Jewish sect schools back down over driving ban] ''Channel 4 News'', May 2015.</ref>
 
−
* 2017: The fifth Rebbe visits the UK in connection with a new London central beis midrash and Talmud Torah facility.<ref name="Channel4" />
 
−
* 2020: [[Westcliff Charedi Synagogue]] registered as a CIO; planning submitted for a Hildaville Drive synagogue and mikveh serving Chasidic families who had moved from Stamford Hill.<ref name="JCRWestcliff">[[JCR-UK]], [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/south6_charedi/index.htm Westcliff Charedi Synagogue] ''JewishGen / JCR-UK'', accessed 13 September 2026.</ref>
 
−
* May–September 2025: UK Charity Commission class inquiry into cashed cheques names [[Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka]] (May) and [[Dover Sholem Community Trust]] at 1 Belz Terrace (September) among charities under investigation.<ref name="CCInquiry">[[Charity Commission]], [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/serious-concerns-over-use-of-22-million-triggers-investigation-by-charity-regulator Serious concerns over use of £22 million triggers investigation by charity regulator] ''GOV.UK'', 14 May 2025.</ref><ref name="ThirdSectorSept">Charlie Moloney, [https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/commission-investigates-10-further-charities-22m-cashed-cheques-probe/governance/article/1930635 Commission investigates 10 further charities in £22m cashed cheques probe] ''Third Sector'', 1 September 2025.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==See also==
 
−
*[[Belz non profits in the US]]
 
 
* [[Agudat Yisrael]]
 
* [[Agudat Yisrael]]
 
* [[United Torah Judaism]]
 
* [[United Torah Judaism]]
−
* [[Haredi Judaism]]
+
* [[Hasidic dynasties]]
−
==Resources==
+
 
−
*https://www.timesofisrael.com/belz-hasidic-sect-to-begin-teaching-core-curriculum-more-said-to-follow/
+
== Notes ==
−
*https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/57295/
+
<references>
−
*https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/03/nyregion/guard-set-for-belz-rabbi-as-hasidic-tension-grows.html
+
<ref name="ToIBlog">Eitan Chikli, [https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/united-torah-judaism-lithuanian-and-hasidic-judaism-at-the-heart-of-israeli-politics/ United Torah Judaism: Lithuanian and Hasidic Judaism at the Heart of Israeli Politics] ''Times of Israel'' blogs, 23 August 2026 (full text supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
−
*https://archive.jpr.org.uk/download?id=2448
+
<ref name="JC2015">Simon Rocker, [http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/136878/stamford-hill-sect-bans-women-drivers Stamford Hill sect bans women drivers] ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 28 May 2015 (full text supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
−
*https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/mothers-face-ban-from-driving-their-children-to-orthodox-jewish-schools-in-stamford-hill-10280936.html
+
<ref name="HackneyPlanp1">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 1 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
−
*https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3100674/Orthodox-Jewish-sect-compared-Saudi-Arabia-banning-women-London-driving-barring-pupils-school-dropped-mothers.html
+
<ref name="HackneyPlanp2">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 2 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
−
*https://www.channel4.com/news/jewish-hasidic-driving-ban-women-belz-bais-malka
+
<ref name="HackneyPlanp3">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 3 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HackneyPlanp4">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 4–8 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HackneyPlanp10">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 10–12 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HackneyPlanp14">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 14 and 17 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HackneyPlanp19">London Borough of Hackney, [https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24785/Report.pdf Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405)] ''Hackney Council'', report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 18–22 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="YIVO">David Assaf, [https://yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Belz_Hasidic_Dynasty Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JVL">Jewish Virtual Library, [https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/belz-hasidic-dynasty Orthodox Judaism: Belz Hasidic Dynasty] ''Jewish Virtual Library'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="MishpachaKingdom">Dovi Safier and Yehuda Geberer, [https://mishpacha.com/a-kingdom-rebuilt/ A Kingdom Rebuilt: How Rav Aharon Rokeach brought postwar Belz back to life] ''Mishpacha'', 9 February 2022, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="MishpachaBorn">Yeruchem Yitzchak Landesman, [https://mishpacha.com/born-to-lead/ Born to Lead] ''Mishpacha'', 24 June 2020, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JPostKiryat">Alex Winston, [https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-813898 Real estate: Unveiling Jerusalem's gem of Kiryat Belz] ''Jerusalem Post'', 11 August 2024, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ToICore">''Times of Israel'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20250422194510/https://www.timesofisrael.com/belz-hasidic-sect-to-begin-teaching-core-curriculum-more-said-to-follow/ Belz Hasidic sect to begin teaching core curriculum, more communities may follow] ''Times of Israel'', 27 January 2022 (archived 22 April 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Shyne">CrownHeights.info, [https://crownheights.info/jewish-news/36566/shyne-the-bad-boy-rap-star-whos-now-a-chassid/ Shyne: The Bad-Boy Rap Star Who's Now a Chassid] ''CrownHeights.info'', 30 July 2011, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="NYT1981">Ari L. Goldman, [https://web.archive.org/web/20231228012054/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/03/nyregion/guard-set-for-belz-rabbi-as-hasidic-tension-grows.html Guard set for Belz rabbi as Hasidic tension grows] ''The New York Times'', 3 March 1981 (archived 28 December 2023), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Nadler1995">Jerrold Nadler, [https://www.congress.gov/crec/1995/06/20/CREC-1995-06-20-pt1-PgE1300-3.pdf Tribute to Rabbi Yisocher Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe, upon his visit to New York] ''Congressional Record'', 20 June 1995, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="WorldBelzUSA">World of Belz, [https://web.archive.org/web/20260114000135/https://worldofbelz.org/new-belz-settlement-in-the-usa/ New Belz settlement in the USA] ''worldofbelz.org'', 1 January 2026 (archived 14 January 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JCRBethune">JCR-UK, [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/london/stamford_shteibls/beltz.htm Chasidey Beltz Beth Hemedrash, Stamford Hill, London N16] ''JewishGen'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JCRClapton">JCR-UK, [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/London/stamford_shteibls/belz.htm Chasidey Belz Beth Hemedrash, Clapton Common, London E5] ''JewishGen'', 16 March 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JewishEastEnd">Leon Silver, [https://web.archive.org/web/20260420164339/http://www.jewisheastend.com/belz.html Memories of the Belzer synagogue] ''Jewish East End of London'' (archived 20 April 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hackney71">Hackney Society, [https://www.hackneysociety.org/documents/71_spaces_draft_07_web_version.pdf Spaces, issue 71] ''Hackney Society'', winter 2021, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HackneyWalk">Hackney Society, [https://www.hackneysociety.org/documents/Clapton_Common_walk.pdf Hackney Walks No. 8: Clapton Common and its environs] ''Hackney Society'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HE1226457">Historic England, [https://web.archive.org/web/20260107194930/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1226457 98, Clapton Common E5] ''National Heritage List for England'' (archived 7 January 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="HEHAR">Historic England, [https://web.archive.org/web/20250616060756/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/198836 98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1-4 Belz Terrace) E5 - Hackney] ''Heritage at Risk Register'' (archived 16 June 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="GIAS_TTMH">Department for Education, [https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/100294 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School, URN 100294] ''Get Information about Schools'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="OfstedTTMH">Ofsted, [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/27/100294 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School] ''Ofsted'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="OfstedTTMHEmerg">Ofsted, [https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50143426 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School: emergency inspection report] ''Ofsted'', 5 December 2019, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="GIAS_Malka">Department for Education, [https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/100295 Beis Malka Girls' School, URN 100295] ''Get Information about Schools'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="OfstedMalka">Ofsted, [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/27/100295 Beis Malka Girls' School] ''Ofsted'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JC_Aharon">Simon Rocker, [https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/chasidic-boys-school-in-stamford-hill-receives-good-rating-from-ofsted-u60m6p1h Chasidic boys' school in Stamford Hill receives good rating from Ofsted] ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 8 September 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="OfstedSalford">Ofsted, [https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50256388 Inspection of Talmud Torah D'chassidie Belz] ''Ofsted'', 4–6 June 2024, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCWestcliff">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5168399/full-print Westcliff Charedi Synagogue, charity 1192449] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JCRWestcliff">JCR-UK, [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/south6_charedi/index.htm Westcliff Charedi Synagogue] ''JewishGen'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JCWestcliff">Aleks Phillips, [https://www.thejc.com/news/community/westcliff-charedim-reveal-plans-for-a-synagogue-on-warehouse-site-lk3hyn9z Westcliff Charedim reveal plans for a synagogue on warehouse site] ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 11 November 2020, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="EchoMikveh">Christine Sexton, [https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/25708013.westcliff-home-approved-become-new-jewish-ritual-bath/ Westcliff home approved to become new Jewish ritual bath] ''Echo'', 19 December 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CosmonFull">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/266130/full-print Cosmon (Belz) Limited, charity 266130] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CosmonTrustees">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/266130/trustees Cosmon (Belz) Limited: trustees] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BelzFdnCH">Companies House, [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05423453 Belz Foundation Ltd, company 05423453] ''Companies House'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BelzFdnCC">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018115/full-print Belz Foundation Ltd, charity 1112150] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BICTFull">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3975123/full-print Belz Israel Charitable Trust, charity 1083890] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCDover">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5012840 Dover Sholem Community Trust, charity 1138710] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCMercaz">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4041058/full-print Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka, charity 1126075] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCKollel">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5151242/full-print Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd, charity 1186741] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCBelzRelief">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5169105 Belz Relief Limited, charity 1192313] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Gemach">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1046707/full-print Belz Gemach Fund, charity 1046707] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CBM">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/326480 Chassidei Belz Manchester, charity 326480] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BelzComm">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018306/full-print Belz Communities, charity 1111457] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Machnovka">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4039813/full-print Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd, charity 1124718] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Bersam">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/526452/full-print The Bersam Trust, charity 526452] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BFEYKS">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4050388/full-print British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer, charity 1136917] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BFEYKSTrustees">Charity Commission, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4050388/trustees British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer: trustees] ''Register of Charities'', accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ToIHarediSettlers">Jacob Magid, [https://web.archive.org/web/20260714023120/https://timesofisrael.com/black-is-the-new-orange-30-of-settlers-are-now-haredim Black is the new orange: 30% of settlers are now Haredim] ''Times of Israel'', 18 July 2017 (archived 14 July 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ICJ2024">International Court of Justice, [https://www.icj-cij.org/node/204176 Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024] ''icj-cij.org'', 19 July 2024, accessed 26 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JPostUTJ">''Jerusalem Post'', [https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907982 What do Arye Deri's Shas and Yakov Asher's United Torah Judaism stand for?] ''Jerusalem Post'', 10 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="BloombergUTJ">Dan Williams, [https://web.archive.org/web/20250828074536/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-15/netanyahu-s-coalition-shrinks-after-ultra-orthodox-party-quits Israel Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Netanyahu's Coalition] ''Bloomberg'', 15 July 2025 (archived 28 August 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="IPF">Alex Lederman, [https://web.archive.org/web/20261009002549/https://israelpolicyforum.org/2026/05/19/controlling-the-coalitions-collapse/ Controlling the Coalition's Collapse] ''Israel Policy Forum'', 19 May 2026 (archived 9 October 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="JPostGafni">''Jerusalem Post'', [https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907743 Haredi alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu shifts as Moshe Gafni ousted from Degel Hatorah] ''Jerusalem Post'', 6 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="VINStark">Joseph Feldman, [https://vinnews.com/2026/09/07/charedi-political-shakeup-continues-as-belz-moves-to-replace-eichler/ Charedi political shakeup continues as Belz moves to replace Eichler] ''VIN News'', 7 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="INNPorush">''Israel National News'', [https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/432906 Last minute drama in United Torah Judaism party] ''Israel National News'', 8 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="YeshivaWorldSlate">''The Yeshiva World'', [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2595974/after-split-and-hours-of-turmoil-utj-submits-party-slate.html After split and hours of turmoil, UTJ submits party slate] ''The Yeshiva World'', 9 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Guardian2015">Jane Martinson, [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/05/ultra-orthodox-jewish-sect-belz-women-driver-ban-illegal-equality-commission Ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect's female driver ban 'unlawful and discriminatory'] ''The Guardian'', 5 June 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="C4_2015">''Channel 4 News'', [https://www.channel4.com/news/jewish-hasidic-driving-ban-women-belz-bais-malka Jewish sect schools back down over driving ban] ''Channel 4 News'', 5 June 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="CCInquiry">Charity Commission, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/serious-concerns-over-use-of-22-million-triggers-investigation-by-charity-regulator Serious concerns over use of £22 million triggers investigation by charity regulator] ''GOV.UK'', 14 May 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ThirdSectorSept">Charlie Moloney, [https://web.archive.org/web/20250911233259/https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/commission-investigates-10-further-charities-22m-cashed-cheques-probe/governance/article/1930635 Commission investigates 10 further charities in £22m cashed cheques probe] ''Third Sector'', 1 September 2025 (archived 11 September 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.</ref>
 +
</references>
  
−
==Notes==
 
−
<references/>
 
 
[[Category:Hasidic dynasties]]
 
[[Category:Hasidic dynasties]]
−
[[Category:Haredi Judaism]]
+
[[Category:Hasidism]]
−
[[Category:Jewish organisations in the United Kingdom]]
+
[[Category:Israel]]
−
[[Category:Religion in Israel]]
+
[[Category:Israeli settlements]]
 +
[[Category:Stamford Hill]]
 +
[[Category:Hasidic Judaism in the United Kingdom]]
 +
[[Category:Jewish charities in the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 14:51, 29 October 2026

Hasidic dynasty founded in Belz, Galicia, around 1817; now centred in Kiryat Belz, Jerusalem, with communities in New York, London, Manchester, Antwerp and elsewhere

Hasidic dynasties
Overview

Hasidic dynasties | Haredi and Hasidic groups in the US | Chabad-Lubavitch movement

Dynasties

Belz | Biala | Bobov | Boyan | Breslov | Chabad-Lubavitch | Chernobyl | Dushinsky | Ger | Karlin-Stolin | Lelov | Munkacs | Nadvorna | Pupa | Rachmastrivka | Sadigura | Sanz-Klausenburg | Sassov | Satmar | Shomer Emunim | Skulen | Skver | Slonim | Spinka | Toldos Aharon | Toldos Avraham Yitzchak | Tosh | Vizhnitz

Founders and early masters

Baal Shem Tov | Dov Ber of Mezeritch | Elimelech of Lizhensk | Shneur Zalman of Liadi | Nachman of Breslov | Moshe Leib of Sassov

Present-day rebbes

Aaron Teitelbaum | Zalman Teitelbaum | Yissachar Dov Rokeach | Yaakov Aryeh Alter | Yisroel Hager | Ben Zion Aryeh Leibish Halberstam | David Twersky | Boruch Meir Yaakov Shochet

20th-century rebbes

Joel Teitelbaum | Aharon Rokeach | Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Politics and communal bodies

Agudat Yisrael | United Torah Judaism | Degel HaTorah | Edah HaChareidis | Neturei Karta | Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations

Places

Uman | Stamford Hill | Williamsburg, Brooklyn | Kiryas Joel, New York | Bnei Brak | Beitar Illit | Modi'in Illit

United Kingdom

Satmar institutions in the UK | Belz Communities | Satmar Kolel

-
Belz
Founded 1817 Belz, eastern Galicia (now Ukraine)
Founder Shalom Rokeach (1783–1855, per YIVO)
Leader Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach (born 1948)
Headquarters Kiryat Belz, Jerusalem
Type Hasidic dynasty
Languages Notes

Belz is a Hasidic dynasty founded around 1817 by Shalom Rokeach in the town of Belz in eastern Galicia, now in Ukraine. It became the most important Hasidic court in Galicia in the 19th century.[1] The fourth Rebbe, Aharon Rokeach, escaped to Palestine in 1944, and the court was rebuilt in Tel Aviv and later Jerusalem. Its centre is Kiryat Belz in Jerusalem, and it has communities in New York, Antwerp, London, Zurich and Montreal.[1] The present Rebbe, Yissachar Dov Rokeach, was installed in 1966.[1] The Times of Israel describes Belz as the second-largest Hasidic group in Israel.[2]

History

Galicia

Shalom Rokeach (1783–1855), a disciple of Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz, the Seer of Lublin, set up his court in Belz around 1817 and drew followers from Poland, Galicia and Hungary.[1] The Jewish Virtual Library gives his year of birth as 1779.[3] Mishpacha records that he was appointed rabbi of Belz in 1817.[4] According to the Jerusalem Post, he built the Great Synagogue of Belz in 1843.[5]

His youngest son, Yehoshua Rokeach (1825–1894), made Belz the most important Hasidic branch in Galicia. In 1879 he was among the founders of Machzikei Hadas (Makhzikey ha-Das), an organisation set up to lobby for the ultra-Orthodox community in Galicia and to challenge the secular Shomer Yisrael in Lwów.[1]

The third Rebbe, Yissachar Dov Rokeach, opposed Zionism so strongly that Belz did not join Agudat Yisrael.[1] During the First World War the Russian army destroyed Belz, and the court fled to Hungary. It settled first in Újfehértó (Ratzfert), and in 1919 moved to Munkács, where the Rebbe came into long conflict with Hayyim Elazar Shapira of the Munkács dynasty. He returned to Galicia in 1922, living first in Oleszyce, and re-established the court in Belz in 1925.[1]

Holocaust and rebuilding

Aharon Rokeach (1880–1957) succeeded his father in 1926. In 1943 he and his brother Mordechai Rokeach of Biłgoraj (1903–1949) escaped from the Bochnia ghetto to Budapest. In January 1944, the day before the brothers left for Palestine, Mordechai promised his Hasidim that nothing would happen to Hungarian Jews. YIVO notes that this promise, and the brothers' escape while their followers stayed behind, drew criticism.[1] In Tel Aviv, Aharon rebuilt the court while modifying the traditional Belz opposition to Agudat Yisrael and to a Jewish state.[1] Belz marks the brothers' arrival in the Land of Israel each year as Yom Hahatzalah (the Day of Rescue).[6] Biale and his co-authors write that in the first years of the state Aharon supported the United Religious Front, which joined Haredim and religious Zionists in a single bloc,[7] and that, like Halberstam of Sanz-Klausenburg, the Rebbe of Belz "embraced a kind of ultra-Orthodox Zionism".[8]

Mishpacha reports that a Belz cheder opened in Bnei Brak in 1952 and that the Tel Aviv cheder had 180 children by 1954.[4]

Fifth Rebbe

After Aharon's death in 1957 the Hasidim accepted his nephew Yissachar Dov Rokeach, born in 1948 and then a nine-year-old orphan, as his successor. He was formally installed in 1966.[1] He married in 1965 in Kiryat Vizhnitz, Bnei Brak. His son Aharon Mordechai Rokeach was born in 1975 and married in Kiryat Belz in 1993.[6] According to Mishpacha, the Rebbe began with "only a few hundred families"; 45 years after he took office, Belz counted "over 7000 families".[6]

The cornerstone of the Belz Great Synagogue in Kiryat Belz was laid in 1984, and the building was inaugurated in 2000.[5]

Rebbes of Belz
# Rebbe Dates Led Notes
1 Shalom Rokeach 1783–1855 (YIVO; 1779 in some sources) c. 1817–1855 Disciple of the Seer of Lublin[1][3]
2 Yehoshua Rokeach 1825–1894 1855–1894 Youngest son of Shalom; co-founder of Machzikei Hadas[1]
3 Yissachar Dov Rokeach 1854–1926 1894–1926 Exile in Hungary during and after the First World War[1]
4 Aharon Rokeach 1880–1957 1926–1957 Escaped to Palestine in 1944[1]
5 Yissachar Dov Rokeach born 1948 1966– Nephew of Aharon; son of Mordechai of Biłgoraj[1]

Communities

Israel

Kiryat Belz, in northern Jerusalem, is the world centre of the dynasty. It borders Romema, Tel Arza, Kiryat Unsdorf, Kiryat Mattersdorf and Kiryat Sanz. The offices of the Badatz Machzikei Hadas, which issues kashrut certification, are there.[5]

In January 2022 the Rebbe approved the teaching of core subjects (mathematics, science, Hebrew and English) in Belz boys' elementary schools, in a model under which the state would fund the schools. The Times of Israel reported that the change would first involve about 7,000 children.[2]

The rapper Shyne studied with Belz Hasidim in Jerusalem after his release from prison.[9]

United States

In 1981 the New York Times reported that the Belz headquarters was on 16th Avenue in Borough Park, Brooklyn. The Rebbe visited New York that year under heavy police protection, after threats of violence by the rival Satmar Hasidim; days earlier more than 500 Satmar followers had thrown rocks outside a Belz synagogue in Williamsburg.[10] In 1995 Congressman Jerrold Nadler told the House of Representatives that the Belz community was based in his Borough Park district and ran self-help bodies, including a large patient-advocacy organisation, a free medical counselling centre and a low-cost clinic.[11]

In January 2026 the community website World of Belz reported plans, first published in the Belz newspaper HaMachane, for a new housing development called "Kiryas Belz USA" to tackle the Haredi housing shortage.[12]

United Kingdom

London

The British Belz community is centred on Stamford Hill and Upper Clapton in Hackney, north London.[13][14] An early Belz synagogue stood at 90 Commercial Road, London E1, in the East End.[15]

Belz synagogues in London
Name Address Notes
Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh (Bethune Road) 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED Founded about 1962; member of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations[13]
Chasidey Belz Beth Hamedresh (Clapton Common) 96 Clapton Common, London E5 9AL; also 49 St Kilda's Road, London N16 5BS (from about 2006) Also called Beth Hemedrash D'Chasidey Belz[16]
Belz schools in London
School Address Pupils Proprietor / head Notes
Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN Boys, 3–11; 508 pupils Proprietor Moreshet Hatorah Ltd; headteacher Rabbi C. Silbiger URN 100294. Ofsted describes it as founded in 1973; most recent inspection 9 June 2026[17][18][19]
Beis Malka Girls' School 93 Alkham Road, London N16 6XD Girls, 2–16; 611 pupils Proprietor Aaron Grossman; headteacher Mrs G. Wind URN 100295. Ofsted, 17 December 2024: requires improvement[20][21]
Beis Aharon Stamford Hill Boys, to age 13 Run by Belz Hasidim. Rated inadequate in 2022 and good in 2025[22]
Belz Terrace and listed buildings

The Belz Foundation bought 96 and 98 Clapton Common in 1973 for use as a school.[23] The two early 19th-century villas, Stainforth House (96, locally listed) and The Woodlands (98, Grade II listed), are the last survivors of the villa suburb built by the Tyssen family from 1820. In 2009 the Belz Foundation won planning permission to demolish Stainforth House and build a large extension to The Woodlands.[24] Historic England lists 98 Clapton Common at Grade II (list entry 1226457), first listed on 4 February 1975.[25] It also places "98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1-4 Belz Terrace)" on its Heritage at Risk Register.[26]

A 2012 report to Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee described 96, 98 and 98a Clapton Common as early to mid-19th-century villas that had been converted for use as a nursery, school, library and synagogue.[27] The application it considered (2012/1405, for 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL) was made by the Belz Heritage Foundation, the name then used by Belz Foundation Ltd, with Parritt Leng as agent. It proposed demolishing no. 96 and putting up a school building of two and four storeys with a basement, and a single-storey synagogue with a basement for 200 worshippers facing Overlea Road. A new playground would go behind nos. 98 and 98a. The site would become a school campus, taking in the existing school and nursery, for up to 850 pupils, an increase of 350.[28] The report gave the number of pupils then on the site as 500.[29] It put the existing school, nursery and synagogue floorspace at 1,266 m² and the proposed floorspace at 4,325 m², with car parking cut from 16 general spaces to four and 30 cycle spaces added.[30] The school would open from 08:00 to 18:00 every day, closing only on Jewish holidays, and the synagogue would stay open 24 hours a day, as it already was.[29]

The report stated that no. 98 is listed at Grade II and no. 96 is locally listed, but that no. 98a is not listed. It also said the site faces the Clapton Common Conservation Area but lies outside it. It recorded an earlier permission (2009/0741, granted on 11 December 2009) to demolish no. 96 and put up a part two-, part five-storey building for a new school and synagogue, and listed building consent for repairs to no. 98.[27] The council's conservation officers wrote that the 2009 scheme had not been carried out.[31] Of 86 neighbouring occupiers consulted, seven supported the application and five objected, citing noise, the concentration of schools and synagogues in the area, parking and waste. The Clapton Conservation Areas Advisory Committee objected that demolishing no. 96 and joining a four-storey building to no. 98 would harm the listed building and the conservation area. It cited the architectural historian Ann Robey and the houses' past association with the bishop William Walsham How.[32] The conservation officers accepted the loss of no. 96, saying unsympathetic alterations had stripped much of its heritage significance. They judged the neo-Georgian school building and the stone-and-stucco synagogue to be suitable replacements.[31] The case officer recommended that permission be granted subject to 19 conditions. These included a management plan for the school's shuttle bus, an updated school travel plan, school use limited to 08:00–18:00 and the synagogue limited to synagogue use.[30][33]

Greater Manchester

Belz has a synagogue complex in Salford and a boys' school, Talmud Torah D'chassidie Belz (URN 149571), at 157 Bevendon Square, Salford M7 4TP, which Ofsted rated good in June 2024.[34][35]

Westcliff-on-Sea

Westcliff-on-Sea has a Haredi congregation, Westcliff Charedi Synagogue (charity 1192449), registered on 20 November 2020, is at 16 Hildaville Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8NJ. Its office is at 25A Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0BE. The trustees are Avrohom Brief (chair), David Cohen Katz and Joseph Sternberg.[36][37] In 2020 the congregation proposed a synagogue with a mikveh on a disused warehouse site.[38] In December 2025 Southend planners approved turning a house on Fleetwood Avenue into a mikveh. The congregation had been renting the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation's mikveh in Genesta Road.[39]

Charities

Belz-named and Belz-linked charities in England
Charity Number Address (register) Trustees (register) Finances and notes
Cosmon (Belz) Limited 266130 34 Heathland Road, London N16 5LZ Schloime Rand, Jehudah Baumgarten, Yitzchok Menachem Sternlicht Registered 31 October 1973; company 01064198. Grants for Jewish religion. Income £435,716 and expenditure £360,436 in the year to 31 March 2025. Rand is also a trustee of Grand Belz Ltd and the Belz Foundation; Baumgarten of The Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass Trust[40][41]
Belz Foundation Ltd (formerly The Belz Heritage Foundation Ltd) 1112150 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN Schloime Rand, Yitzchok Menachem Sternlicht Company 05423453, incorporated 13 April 2005 (renamed 30 December 2015); charity registered 18 November 2005. Income £1,201,443 and expenditure £1,180,552 in the year to 31 March 2025[42][43]
Belz Israel Charitable Trust 1083890 48 Lynmouth Road, London N16 6XL Pinchos Fink, Martin Imann, Charles Silbiger Registered 30 November 2000. Education, poverty relief and overseas aid in Hackney and Israel. Income £755,055 and expenditure £662,382 in the year to 31 December 2025[44]
Dover Sholem Community Trust (formerly Children Ahead) 1138710 1 Belz Terrace, London E5 9SN Haim Dov Francoz Registered 29 October 2010. Income £3,212,183 in the year to 31 March 2025. Subject of a Charity Commission inquiry from September 2025 (see below)[45][46]
Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka 1126075 83–95 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED Elozer Yonah Brander (chair), Chaye Gitel Krautwirt, Menachem Lieber Registered 26 September 2008. Supports the Mercaz Hatorah Belz Machnovka in Jerusalem. Subject of a Charity Commission inquiry from May 2025 (see below)[47][48]
Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd 1186741 99 Bethune Road, London N16 5ED Cholem Friedman, Getzel Weiss Registered 4 December 2019; company 12214390. Income £233,257 in the year to 31 October 2025[49]
Belz Relief Limited 1192313 140 High Road, London N15 6JN Benny Hoffman (chair), Hirsch Rottenberg, David Spitzer Registered 12 November 2020. Poverty relief. Income £65,317 in the year to 30 June 2025[50]
Belz Gemach Fund 1046707 Loan fund; removed from the register. Last accounts for the year to 31 December 2017[51]
Chassidei Belz Manchester 326480 c/o Haffner Hoff Ltd, 2nd Floor, Parkgates, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0TL Jehuda Waldman, Nachman Vogiel, Benjamin Leitner Registered 12 January 1984. Helps fund a synagogue complex in Salford. Income £530,145 in the year to 5 April 2025[34]
Belz Communities 1111457 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE Itzchak Grosz, David Neuwirth, Joshua Waldman Registered 26 September 2005. After-school and recreational services. Income £359,931 in the year to 5 April 2025[52]
Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd 1124718 40 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW David Spitzer, Shimon Yisroel Brander, Abraham Eliezer Waldman Registered 26 June 2008; company 06561919. Repays loans for the purchase of premises. Income £171,072 in the year to 30 April 2025[53]
The Bersam Trust 526452 2 Merrybower Road, Salford M7 4HE Ignatius Moskovitz, Jehuda Waldman, Abraham Vogiel, Joshua Waldman Same address as Belz Communities. Income £233,531 in the year to 31 March 2025[54]
British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer 1136917 66 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 4DW Refoel Halpern, Nissim Hassan, David Neuwirth Registered 15 July 2010. Grants in Manchester and Israel. Income £4,225,000 and expenditure £4,208,154 in the year to 31 July 2025. Neuwirth is also a trustee of Belz Communities[55][56]

Kiryat Sefer, named in the last charity, is another name for Modi'in Illit, one of the largest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.[57] The International Court of Justice found in 2024 that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem "have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law".[58]

Politics

Biale and his co-authors write that, unlike the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the heads of the three largest Hasidic groups, Ger, Vizhnits and Belz, "on the whole took a more flexible and dovish stance on the question of the territories that Israel came to control after the 1967 War".[59] They also note that Shlomo Rokeah of Yaroslav, "a scion of the Belz dynasty, who broke off and formed a small court of his own", is based in the West Bank settlement of Modi'in Illit.[60]

In Israel Belz is part of the Hasidic Agudat Yisrael wing of United Torah Judaism (UTJ), the joint list formed in 1992 by Agudat Yisrael and the Lithuanian Degel HaTorah. UTJ won seven seats in the 25th Knesset and has been a key partner of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition bloc.[61] In July 2025 UTJ left Netanyahu's coalition over a bill to limit draft exemptions for Haredi men.[62][63] The Jerusalem Post reported in September 2026 that UTJ could in theory help an anti-Netanyahu bloc form a government.[64]

A blog post by Eitan Chikli on the Times of Israel blogs platform in August 2026 set out the background. It said Agudat Yisrael had been founded in Katowice in 1912 by Orthodox rabbis from Eastern Europe who rejected assimilation and Zionism. In June 1947 David Ben-Gurion, for the Jewish Agency, negotiated a "status quo agreement" with Agudat Yisrael covering the Sabbath in public institutions, kashrut, the jurisdiction of religious courts over marriage and divorce, and public funding for an autonomous religious school system. In 1988 Rabbi Elazar Shach broke with Agudat Yisrael, which the post described as "then dominated by Hasidic groups", and founded Degel HaTorah. The post said the joint UTJ list had split at times, notably in 2004, before reuniting, and that in 2020 the share of places on the list, which had previously favoured Agudat Yisrael, was rebalanced. Within UTJ, according to the post, Agudat Yisrael represents the Hasidic camp and Degel HaTorah the Lithuanian camp, and major political decisions formally need the approval of a council of senior rabbis.[65]

The post listed the party's priorities as funding for yeshivas and schools, support for families, the religious status quo and, above all, the exemption of yeshiva students from military service. It said UTJ had been allied with Likud under Netanyahu since the 1990s: the Haredi parties supplied seats, and Likud protected their education system, their budgets and the status of yeshiva students. It described 2025 and 2026 as a period of parliamentary boycotts, threats to leave the coalition, arrests of yeshiva students who refused the draft and demonstrations at military sites. In the author's view, a Basic Law passed in July 2026 that defined Torah study as a "fundamental value" of the Jewish people and the state deepened the polarisation.[65]

In September 2026 Belz moved to replace its long-serving Knesset member Yisrael Eichler with Elyakim Stark, chairman of the Belz executive committee.[66] Stark and Meir Porush of Shlomei Emunim then registered a new party, Homat Torat Yisrael ("Wall of the Torah of Israel"), alleging discrimination by the Ger-led "Central Faction".[67] UTJ submitted its slate as an alliance of three parties: Degel HaTorah, Agudat Yisrael and the new party. Stark was sixth on the list. Belz and Shlomei Emunim said the move was not a withdrawal from Agudat Yisrael.[68]

Controversies

Allegations and investigations

  • Driving ban, 2015. In May 2015 The Jewish Chronicle reported that Belz rabbis in Stamford Hill had told parents in a letter that women driving went against "the traditional rules of modesty in our camp" and against the norms of Hasidic institutions. Leaders of Belz educational institutions signed the letter and the community's rabbis endorsed it. It said that from August children would be barred from Belz schools if their mothers drove them there, and that the Belzer Rebbe in Israel, Yissachar Dov Rokeach, had advised them to adopt the policy. Dina Brawer, UK ambassador of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said the ban was about men's power and control over women, and compared it with the ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia. The paper wrote that, although many Hasidic women did not drive, this was thought to be the first formal declaration against the practice in the UK. It added that some Hasidic groups, such as Lubavitch, had no such policy. The local Belz women's organisation, Neshei Belz, issued a statement. It said its members valued belonging to a community that respected the highest standards of refinement, morality and dignity, and that they saw driving as a high-pressure activity in which their values could be compromised by exposure to road rage, bad language and other inappropriate behaviour. It added that they did not disrespect people who lived differently or the choices they made. The paper also noted that the community's main boys' and girls' schools, Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass and Beis Malka, were at that time rated good by Ofsted.[69] In June 2015 the Equality and Human Rights Commission said the ruling was unlawful.[14] The schools' chief executive, Ahron Klein, then said that no children would be barred from the TTMH Belz Day School or Beis Malka Girls' School.[70]
  • Charity Commission inquiry, 2025. In May 2025 the Charity Commission opened a class inquiry after HMRC identified charities whose cheques, worth about £22 million, had been cashed. Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka was among the first ten charities named.[48] Dover Sholem Community Trust, registered at 1 Belz Terrace, was added in September 2025.[46][45] An inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 David Assaf, Belz Hasidic Dynasty YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe, accessed 27 October 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Times of Israel, Belz Hasidic sect to begin teaching core curriculum, more communities may follow Times of Israel, 27 January 2022 (archived 22 April 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jewish Virtual Library, Orthodox Judaism: Belz Hasidic Dynasty Jewish Virtual Library, accessed 27 October 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Dovi Safier and Yehuda Geberer, A Kingdom Rebuilt: How Rav Aharon Rokeach brought postwar Belz back to life Mishpacha, 9 February 2022, accessed 27 October 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Alex Winston, Real estate: Unveiling Jerusalem's gem of Kiryat Belz Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2024, accessed 27 October 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Yeruchem Yitzchak Landesman, Born to Lead Mishpacha, 24 June 2020, accessed 27 October 2026.
  7. ↑ David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, Hasidism: A New History, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 725.
  8. ↑ David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, Hasidism: A New History, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 664.
  9. ↑ CrownHeights.info, Shyne: The Bad-Boy Rap Star Who's Now a Chassid CrownHeights.info, 30 July 2011, accessed 27 October 2026.
  10. ↑ Ari L. Goldman, Guard set for Belz rabbi as Hasidic tension grows The New York Times, 3 March 1981 (archived 28 December 2023), accessed 27 October 2026.
  11. ↑ Jerrold Nadler, Tribute to Rabbi Yisocher Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe, upon his visit to New York Congressional Record, 20 June 1995, accessed 27 October 2026.
  12. ↑ World of Belz, New Belz settlement in the USA worldofbelz.org, 1 January 2026 (archived 14 January 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 JCR-UK, Chasidey Beltz Beth Hemedrash, Stamford Hill, London N16 JewishGen, accessed 27 October 2026.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Jane Martinson, Ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect's female driver ban 'unlawful and discriminatory' The Guardian, 5 June 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.
  15. ↑ Leon Silver, Memories of the Belzer synagogue Jewish East End of London (archived 20 April 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.
  16. ↑ JCR-UK, Chasidey Belz Beth Hemedrash, Clapton Common, London E5 JewishGen, 16 March 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.
  17. ↑ Department for Education, Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School, URN 100294 Get Information about Schools, accessed 27 October 2026.
  18. ↑ Ofsted, Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School: emergency inspection report Ofsted, 5 December 2019, accessed 27 October 2026.
  19. ↑ Ofsted, Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School Ofsted, accessed 27 October 2026.
  20. ↑ Department for Education, Beis Malka Girls' School, URN 100295 Get Information about Schools, accessed 27 October 2026.
  21. ↑ Ofsted, Beis Malka Girls' School Ofsted, accessed 27 October 2026.
  22. ↑ Simon Rocker, Chasidic boys' school in Stamford Hill receives good rating from Ofsted The Jewish Chronicle, 8 September 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.
  23. ↑ Hackney Society, Spaces, issue 71 Hackney Society, winter 2021, accessed 27 October 2026.
  24. ↑ Hackney Society, Hackney Walks No. 8: Clapton Common and its environs Hackney Society, accessed 27 October 2026.
  25. ↑ Historic England, 98, Clapton Common E5 National Heritage List for England (archived 7 January 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.
  26. ↑ Historic England, 98 and 98a, Clapton Common (also known as 1-4 Belz Terrace) E5 - Hackney Heritage at Risk Register (archived 16 June 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 3 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  28. ↑ London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 1 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 14 and 17 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, p. 2 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 10–12 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  32. ↑ London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 4–8 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  33. ↑ London Borough of Hackney, Planning Sub-Committee – 15/08/2012: 96, 98 & 98A Clapton Common, London E5 9AL (application 2012/1405) Hackney Council, report by Caroline Ozor, 15 August 2012, pp. 18–22 (copy supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Charity Commission, Chassidei Belz Manchester, charity 326480 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  35. ↑ Ofsted, Inspection of Talmud Torah D'chassidie Belz Ofsted, 4–6 June 2024, accessed 27 October 2026.
  36. ↑ Charity Commission, Westcliff Charedi Synagogue, charity 1192449 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  37. ↑ JCR-UK, Westcliff Charedi Synagogue JewishGen, accessed 27 October 2026.
  38. ↑ Aleks Phillips, Westcliff Charedim reveal plans for a synagogue on warehouse site The Jewish Chronicle, 11 November 2020, accessed 27 October 2026.
  39. ↑ Christine Sexton, Westcliff home approved to become new Jewish ritual bath Echo, 19 December 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.
  40. ↑ Charity Commission, Cosmon (Belz) Limited, charity 266130 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  41. ↑ Charity Commission, Cosmon (Belz) Limited: trustees Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  42. ↑ Companies House, Belz Foundation Ltd, company 05423453 Companies House, accessed 27 October 2026.
  43. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Foundation Ltd, charity 1112150 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  44. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Israel Charitable Trust, charity 1083890 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Charity Commission, Dover Sholem Community Trust, charity 1138710 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Charlie Moloney, Commission investigates 10 further charities in £22m cashed cheques probe Third Sector, 1 September 2025 (archived 11 September 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.
  47. ↑ Charity Commission, Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka, charity 1126075 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Charity Commission, Serious concerns over use of £22 million triggers investigation by charity regulator GOV.UK, 14 May 2025, accessed 27 October 2026.
  49. ↑ Charity Commission, Kollel D'chasidei Belz Ltd, charity 1186741 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  50. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Relief Limited, charity 1192313 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  51. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Gemach Fund, charity 1046707 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  52. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Communities, charity 1111457 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  53. ↑ Charity Commission, Belz Machnovka (M/C) Ltd, charity 1124718 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  54. ↑ Charity Commission, The Bersam Trust, charity 526452 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  55. ↑ Charity Commission, British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer, charity 1136917 Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  56. ↑ Charity Commission, British Friends of Ezrat Yisrael Kiryat Sefer: trustees Register of Charities, accessed 27 October 2026.
  57. ↑ Jacob Magid, Black is the new orange: 30% of settlers are now Haredim Times of Israel, 18 July 2017 (archived 14 July 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.
  58. ↑ International Court of Justice, Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 icj-cij.org, 19 July 2024, accessed 26 October 2026.
  59. ↑ David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, Hasidism: A New History, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 713.
  60. ↑ David Biale, David Assaf, Benjamin Brown, Uriel Gellman, Samuel C. Heilman, Moshe Rosman, Gadi Sagiv and Marcin Wodziński, Hasidism: A New History, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018, p. 710.
  61. ↑ Jerusalem Post, What do Arye Deri's Shas and Yakov Asher's United Torah Judaism stand for? Jerusalem Post, 10 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.
  62. ↑ Dan Williams, Israel Ultra-Orthodox Party Quits Netanyahu's Coalition Bloomberg, 15 July 2025 (archived 28 August 2025), accessed 27 October 2026.
  63. ↑ Alex Lederman, Controlling the Coalition's Collapse Israel Policy Forum, 19 May 2026 (archived 9 October 2026), accessed 27 October 2026.
  64. ↑ Jerusalem Post, Haredi alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu shifts as Moshe Gafni ousted from Degel Hatorah Jerusalem Post, 6 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Eitan Chikli, United Torah Judaism: Lithuanian and Hasidic Judaism at the Heart of Israeli Politics Times of Israel blogs, 23 August 2026 (full text supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  66. ↑ Joseph Feldman, Charedi political shakeup continues as Belz moves to replace Eichler VIN News, 7 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.
  67. ↑ Israel National News, Last minute drama in United Torah Judaism party Israel National News, 8 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.
  68. ↑ The Yeshiva World, After split and hours of turmoil, UTJ submits party slate The Yeshiva World, 9 September 2026, accessed 27 October 2026.
  69. ↑ Simon Rocker, Stamford Hill sect bans women drivers The Jewish Chronicle, 28 May 2015 (full text supplied by David), accessed 27 October 2026.
  70. ↑ Channel 4 News, Jewish sect schools back down over driving ban Channel 4 News, 5 June 2015, accessed 27 October 2026.
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