Mayor Yossi Bardoni of Givat Shmuel faced controversy and backlash after abruptly canceling Chabad’s Yom Kippur prayers in an open space due to pressure from members of his own party. This decision has sparked outrage among residents and has been denounced by various groups in the city.
For years, Beit Chabad in Givat Shmuel has organized prayers that are open to both the traditional and secular public who may not feel comfortable attending synagogue. The event has become a cherished tradition in the city and is held at the basketball court of the Ben Gurion school.
However, in a recent post on social media, mayoral candidate Ruti Lavi criticized Chabad, labeling it as a “racist missionary movement” and called for the prayers to be stopped. She also targeted the secular lists in the council and demanded immediate action.
Mayor Bardoni was tagged in Lavi’s post, which led to pressure from other council members, including Ronit Lev and Moshe Marr. Consequently, Bardoni made the decision to cancel the prayers to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
The cancellation of the prayers has drawn strong criticism from religious Zionist groups, specifically the Tev list and the Jewish Home led by Raz Schreiber and Shmulik Meirovich. They view the joint Yom Kippur prayer as an inclusive event that bridges the gap between religious and secular individuals in the city. They argue that canceling the prayers not only harms the communal fabric but also negatively impacts the secular residents who participate in the prayers every year.
Expressing disappointment, they condemn the mayor for succumbing to the pressure of extremists. They also stress the need to preserve Jewish identity in the city and to resist surrendering to the demands of a minority group.
This incident has sparked a larger conversation regarding freedom of religion and the influence of different religious factions in local politics. While some feel that Chabad’s prayers should be allowed to proceed as a representation of religious freedom, others argue that it is necessary to protect the secular nature of the neighborhood.
As tensions continue to rise, residents and stakeholders in Givat Shmuel are left divided on the issue. It remains to be seen whether there will be a resolution that satisfies all parties involved and ensures peaceful coexistence within the community.