Several Petah Tikva synagogues refuse to host Smotrich, cite objections to politics during services

Several synagogues in Petah Tikva's Kfar Ganim neighborhood refused to host Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Friday, citing objections to political activity during religious services. Some synagogues agreed to host him, sparking disputes among congregants. A compromise to separate politics from prayer remained unresolved ahead of Shabbat.

Controversy erupted in the Kfar Ganim neighborhood of Petah Tikva on Friday, with several synagogues reportedly refusing to host Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich amid objections to political activity during religious services. According to residents and congregants, numerous synagogues declined requests to host Smotrich or allow him to address worshippers. Others agreed to welcome the minister, including one synagogue where the decision sparked a heated dispute among congregants. Organizers told Maariv that Smotrich is expected to visit approximately 10 synagogues across Petah Tikva that invited him to speak, but acknowledged that several synagogues had requested that politics be kept out of their services. Among the synagogues reportedly excluded from the itinerary were Young Israel, Heichal Gavriel, Ohel Yitzhak, and Nigunei Chaim. Sources claimed efforts had been made to coordinate the visit, but numerous synagogues refused. The controversy intensified over the decision to allow Smotrich to speak at one synagogue, with some congregants arguing that political activity had no place during prayer services, particularly during an election campaign. Others opposed withdrawing the invitation, warning that canceling could be seen as a personal insult. A compromise proposal to have Smotrich speak outside prayer times remained unresolved ahead of Shabbat.