The head of the organization of Tzohar Rabbis, Rabbi David Stav, addressed the Mayor of Tel Aviv, Ron Huldai, today (Thursday) and urged him, "Permit every community to observe the custom of the hakafot in the manner it was done in previous years."
In a letter to the mayor, the rabbi requested that he refrain from interfering with the Simchat Torah prayers of the different communities. "During your years as the mayor of the great Hebrew city, Tel Aviv has become a symbol of tolerance and unity among the various groups living within it. In Israel and around the world, the word Tel Aviv has become an example and a model of coexistence," wrote Rabbi Stav.
The rabbi continued and wrote, "As we approach the holiday of Simchat Torah, we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate the same unity and tolerance that we always take pride in."
In conclusion, he said, "I appeal to you to allow every community to observe the custom of 'Hakafot' in the way they have done in previous years. Let us not allow extremists from any side to destroy what has been built through years of hard work."
