Yeshivat Hesder of Nahariya known as Yeshivat Nahar Deiah, was founded in 1995 by the Chief Rabbi of Nahariya, Rabbi Yeshayahu Meitlis with 15 students. In 2010, the Yeshiva has over 100 students.
The students combine intensive Torah study, service in the army, and community service.
In 2001 the yeshiva founded a Relief Center to provide food and clothing to residents Nahariya and the surrounding area. Today (2010) it has evolved into the community organization, Bet Neriya and operates many education programs and relief projects for the region.
The yeshiva is dedicated to bringing about social change through building a stronger community in Nahariya that people can be proud to live within. The students, who are excellently-trained combat soldiers, enhance the atmosphere with faith, national pride and high esteem bringing the passion of Torah Study to the center of civilization.
"The values that the yeshiva represents are integrated into the hearts of all the residents of Nahariya. Anyone who has the slightest perception of the city knows that there is a tremendous enterprise that gives off light, influencing the very essence of the city. It truly is a river flowing with knowledge. Grace, kindness, and care for the public." Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau – Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and former Chief Rabbi of Israel.
Yeshivat Hesder Nahar Deiah was the only local NGO active during the Second Lebanon War. The relief efforts of the yeshivah during the Second Lebanon war was well noted throughout the Israeli Press. (Jerusalem Post, Ynet, Maariv, Besheva, Etrog Magazine).
Recently, together with the families of Ehud Goldwasser (from Nahariya) and Eldad Regev (from Northern Haifa), the Yeshiva has commissioned a Torah scroll in their memories which will be completed on the second anniversary in July 2010. (an article appeared in the Jerusalem Post)