Orthodox group cancels planned Yom Kippur prayer in Tel Aviv after court victory

Protesters clash with worshippers during aborted Yom Kippur prayers at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square, September 25, 2023 (Carrie Keller-Lynn / The Times of Israel)
Protesters clash with worshippers during aborted Yom Kippur prayers at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square, September 25, 2023 (Carrie Keller-Lynn / The Times of Israel)

After the High Court ruled that the Tel Aviv municipality must allow a planned Yom Kippur prayer in a public space to take place with gender separation, organizers say they have decided to cancel it.

The Orthodox outreach organization Rosh Yehudi says it is doing so due to “fears of provocations.”

“Unfortunately, we’ve heard of plans to ruin this legally permitted prayer service. We are opting for the responsible step of not offending even when being offended, and will pray in the synagogue,” it says.

“In wartime, with our soldiers bravely endangering themselves, and with the whole nation praying for the safe return of our hostages, the path to victory and defeating the enemy as well as bringing back our hostages lies in greater holiness, in unity and internal peace,” it adds.

“With God’s help there will yet be many public prayers across the country,” it adds.

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