Several Petah Tikva synagogues refuse to host Smotrich, cite objections to politics during services
Some congregants argued that withdrawing the invitation after it had already been extended and publicly announced would be inappropriate, particularly since the synagogue had hosted other speakers.
On Friday, controversy arose in the Petah Tikva neighborhood of Kfar Ganim as several synagogues declined to host Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich due to objections to political content during religious services. The Finance Minister was invited to speak at approximately ten synagogues in the area, but a few, including Young Israel, Heichal Gavriel, Ohel Yitzhak, and Nigunei Chaim, refused to host him.
The synagogues that declined to host Smotrich did so because they wanted to keep politics out of their services, especially with the country in the midst of an election campaign. This decision led to heated disputes among congregants, with some arguing that politicians should not be involved in prayer services, while others questioned the purpose of the visit, suggesting it was meant to advance Smotrich's political interests rather than deliver a religious message.
Despite the controversy, some congregants insisted that withdrawing the invitation after it had already been announced would be inappropriate, as it could be seen as a personal insult to Smotrich. A compromise was proposed, allowing Smotrich to speak outside of prayer times in the synagogue hall, but the dispute remained unresolved ahead of Shabbat.
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