Clashes in Dizengoff Square following a gender-segregated mass prayer. September 24, 2023/Ori Sela
Clashes broke out Sunday night, on the eve of Yom Kippur, between worshippers and Tel Aviv residents in Dizengoff Square and Habima Square. This follows the separation of prayers between men and women, despite the fact that the High Court of Justice banned it earlier this week. On social networks there was a claim that some of the worshippers do not live in Tel Aviv and came to the mass prayers for provocation.
Worshippers who arrived at the area erected makeshift partitions, contrary to the ruling. The residents did not accept this, interrupted the prayers and stacked the plastic chairs brought by the worshippers. In Habima Square, opponents chanted "shame" on the worshippers. Following the altercations, which were mostly verbal, police arrived at the scene and at least one person was arrested.
Cries of "shame" to worshippers at Habima Square
Clashes in Habima Square following a gender-segregated mass prayer. September 24, 2023/Ori Sela
Clashes at Dizengoff Square. Last night/Uri Sela
Clashes at Habima Square. Last night/Uri Sela
"To do it in the middle of Dizengoff Square is intentional, the exclusion of women is intentional. They came here, there's nothing respectful about it, so why should we respect ourselves? There are enough other places to go," said one of those who opposed the prayer.
A young woman who came to pray said in a conversation with Walla! Because she lives near the place of prayer in Dizengoff Square. According to her, "I am no different from those who come from the other side. I went down to join the prayer and now I'm helping fold here. The feeling is that we are hated, that Judaism must be downplayed. It's sad."
- More on the subject:
- Tel Aviv-Yafo
- Yom Kippur
- Dizengoff Square
