Feldman takes Triguboff to court
RABBI Pinchus Feldman, whose organisations have received millions of dollars from Harry Triguboff over the last few decades, took him to court last week.
RABBI Pinchus Feldman, whose organisations have received millions of dollars from Harry Triguboff over the last few decades, took him to court last week.
Triguboff’s company Meriton, which owns Yeshiva’s Flood Street property, contacted Rabbi Feldman and several members of his family to say that their peppercorn leases for offices and the shul within Yeshiva would end and they needed to leave by April 20.
But on April 19 lawyers representing the shul and the Sydney Talmudical College Association (STCA), of which Rabbi Feldman is a director, filed a motion to prevent the eviction.
Last Thursday, the day of the proposed eviction, the court adjourned the matter which meant that Rabbi Feldman would stay past the April 20 deadline.
Rabbi Feldman’s son Yossi, who was at court for the case, told The AJN, “This is our first victory of many over Harry” only seconds after his father was given a one-week reprieve to stay in Flood Street.
The delay that Yossi claimed was a victory, however, was actually an offer made by Triguboff.
David Austin, who acted on behalf of the Yeshiva Synagogue and STCA, said that Triguboff offered to let Rabbi Feldman and the shul remain until April 28, when the matter is back in court.
“On 28 April if the Court has time, or soon after, the court will decide whether to grant interim injunctions on the merits of our case.
“All we have to show is an arguable case and a balance of convenience.”
Following the hearing, the Yeshiva Synagogue then sent a letter to its community saying it received legal advice that eviction notices “are invalid” and that they are “entitled to remain in the premises”.
“We have requested from Mr Triguboff both formally and informally to rescind the harsh decree however those efforts have unfortunately been unsuccessful,” the letter said.
“We have weighed very carefully all of our options and sought independent rabbinic advice both locally and overseas.
“The conclusion was reached that we have no choice but to defend ourselves in court, as the eviction was slated for today.
“Baruch HaShem due to the court intervention the eviction was avoided today and we are hopeful that will continue.”
JOSHUA LEVI
comments