A unique kiddush hashem was made at Yeshiva Bais Refoel, located on the outskirts of Beitar Illit. The yeshiva is situated on the outskirts of the city, in prefab unprotected caravans.

On Simchas Torah, as sirens wailed around them, yeshiva students watched in horror as a rocket exploded mere feet from the yeshiva, miraculously not injuring anyone.

The yeshiva has since temporarily relocated to a underground simcha hall, where half the hall serves as a bais medrash while the other half serves as a dormitory, with the bochurim using a local mikva for their showering needs.

Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Hepner [originally from Gateshead], who travels daily from Tel Tzion to the Yeshiva, commented how the electrifying atmosphere of ahavas torah overrides the lack of basic amenities.

Despite the difficulties, the kol torah goes on, led by the indomitable Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yochai Sperling infusing the bochurim with a geshmak in learning as the world around them broils with conflict.