A wealthy man once approached the Gaon, Rav Noach Shimonavich, z”tl, who was then the Rosh Yeshivah of Zichron Yaakov, and suggested that he should move his yeshivah to Rishon Letzion. He added that he was prepared to support the yeshivah entirely if R’ Noach would follow his advice.
R’ Noach traveled to the Chazon Ish to ask his advice on the man’s offer. The Chazon Ish answered, “When a yeshiva exists in a city, the whole city looks different. This may not be apparent immediately, but with the passing of years it is possible to see the positive qualities which the yeshivah lends to the city. If this is so, how is it possible to cause Zichron Yaakov such a heavy loss by removing the yeshiva from its midst?” [source: Shaal Avicha Veyegadcha]
