The Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa issued a letter today (Thursday) about the cancellation of the permits given to the "Rosh Yehudi" association to hold events in the public space during Sukkot. This, in view of the violation of the municipality's instructions and the court's decision by the members of the association on the eve of Yom Kippur.
The permit cancellation letter was given to the association after a hearing was held on the matter due to its violation of the terms of the permit granted to it for Yom Kippur prayers in Dizengoff Square by placing a stage without the required permit and using physical means of gender segregation contrary to the municipality's policy.
"Rosh Yehudi violated the guidelines in a severe manner"
In light of the severe violations mentioned above, the municipality informed the association that it has revoked the usage permits previously granted for upcoming events, including:
1. A permit issued on September 4, 2023, for the construction of a Sukkah in Zamenhof Square on October 1, 2023.
2. A permit issued on September 17, 2023, for holding Hakafot Shniyot in Dizengoff Square on October 7, 2023.
The municipality argues that "the violations of the usage permit were severe, especially the breach of the condition regarding the prohibition of gender separation by physical means, contrary to the municipality's decision and even in defiance of the Supreme Court ruling issued before the event. 'Rosh Yehudi's' event on Yom Kippur in Dizengoff Square transformed from a prayer event into a disgraceful event of exclusion and emphasizing differences, resulting in a significant disruption of public order that almost escalated into a mass brawl."
"There is a real fear that the events will lead to another flare-up"
It is emphasized that in the response letter to the hearing, "the association denied conducting an event with gender separation and did not acknowledge any responsibility for its conduct. There is no reason to believe that their behavior in the upcoming Sukkot events will be different. Furthermore, there is a genuine concern that the continued organization of events by 'Rosh Yehudi,' especially in Dizengoff Square in the near future, will lead to further escalation, resulting in public order disturbances in the city.
It is important to note that hundreds of events will take place throughout the city during the Sukkot holiday, some organized by associations and private organizations, and some by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, including religious events."