Zionists for Historical Veracity (ZaHaV) is reconsidering its role in Brandeis' Hillel organization after questions were raised about certain accounting practices. Amid accusations of lost records and misappropriated funds, the conservative pro-Israel group may consider withdrawing entirely from under the Hillel umbrella.ZaHaV claims that some funding it received from Hillel was lost through financial mismanagement. Through its association, ZaHaV is eligible to receive Hillel financing in addition to funds it receives from the Allocations Board (A-Board).

According to ZaHaV President Mitchel Balsam '05, other recent episodes in Hillel, like the firing of long-time Associate Director Ora Gladstone, have raised some questions about that organization's credibility.

"(If) they are unaccountable, it forces ZaHaV to be unaccountable and Hillel becomes a liability," Balsam said.

Funding issues were not the only grievances ZaHaV placed against Hillel. Balsam also indicated the Hillel association also impedes ZaHaV's scheduling.

"We are definitely one of the largest and most active groups (in Hillel)," Balsam said, noting the Jewish campus foundation causes some "inflexibility that doesn't allow our progress."

However, funding issues appear to be at the forefront of ZaHaV complaints. Balsam added that Hillel promised to transfer some of his group's unused Hillel funds back to its fundraising account under the supervision of the Student Union. ZaHaV is now weighing its options, and Balsam made it clear that withdrawing from the Hillel structure is a distinct possibility. "We are considering leaving," he said.

Balsam also mentioned the financial impact that ZaHaV's pullout from Hillel would have on the group, but remained confident about a future apart from Hillel.

"ZaHaV will lose any allocations from Hillel, but under the auspices of the Student Union we're big enough to stand on our own," Balsam said.

ZaHaV assumes that the money will be returned and the group will not have to take the drastic step of disengaging from Hillel. However, if the problems are not abated, Balsam suggested the possibility of legal recourse.

"We'll most likely do a Union Judiciary and maybe International Hillel," Balsam said.

A case with the international body of Hillel is more likely, but he hopes that the situation does not ultimately escalate to that level.

Hillel president Rachel Silverman '04 did not respond to phone calls last night.