In the city of Nes Tziona, south of Tel Aviv, a peaceful tradition turned into an alarming incident as a Chabad Tefillin stand was attacked by a passerby. The assailant threw eggs at the booth, desecrating the sacred Tefillin, prompting outrage from religious leaders and politicians alike. Several Knesset Members and Government Ministers condemned the attack, calling for an end to incitement against religious practices.
Chabad’s Tefillin stands, run by yeshiva bachurim, have been familiar for many Israelis. These stands aim to encourage the mitzvah of wearing Tefillin, no matter how religious or disengaged one may be. It has been a cherished tradition for decades, evoking a sense of spirituality and connection with Jewish heritage.
However, a controversy has emerged between secular and Charedi Jews in Tel Aviv over the Tefillin stands. A group of activists has started to document and confront Chabad members as they encourage children, to put on Tefillin. They argue that these stands are placed strategically close to schools, raising concerns about religious coercion and potential separation from families.
One such viral video captured a Chabad emissary, Shlomo Gerber, being confronted by a secular woman in Habima Square, a significant cultural site in Tel Aviv. Gerber defended the practice, asserting that the younger generation willingly embraces the mitzvah without any pressure.
Naor Narkis, the founder of the secular social movement “Enlightened Israel,” is at the forefront of the opposition to Chabad’s Tefillin stands. Narkis claims that Chabad has approached school children and eventually tried to distance them from their families. He expresses concern about potential consequences arising from such interactions.
The situation has raised tensions between those who see the Tefillin stands as a cherished religious tradition and those who view them as a form of religious coercion. The clash of beliefs highlights the growing divide between religious and secular communities in Israel, further deepening the existing rift between them. A sad and unfortunate site to see, especially during the 9 days as we mourn the loss of the Beis Hamikdash, which was destroyed over baseless hatred.
The recent incidents of harassment against Chabad Tefillin stands and the controversy surrounding their practices shed light on the complex religious dynamics in Israel. It is essential for both religious and secular groups to engage in constructive dialogue, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding. Only through open communication and respect for each other’s beliefs can Israeli society bridge the divide and work towards a more cohesive future.
The war against religious observance in Israel has begun. Eggs being thrown by anti-judicial reform opponents at a Chabad stand that was set up to help Jews put on Tefillin. #Israel #judicialreform #religion @Chabad @Lubavitch pic.twitter.com/zU3pEslVh6
— The Jewish Voice (@JewishVoice) July 22, 2023
You cannot help a fellow Jew wrap tefillin in Israel without reasonable fear of abuse and harassment.
You can barely ride the bus while frum without abuse. pic.twitter.com/t5UPc8CzXW
— Rabbi S Litvin (@BluegrassRabbi) July 5, 2023
Horrible and shocking.We tell theworld how open and demotratic Israel is. This womam should be ashamed. Yhi no