Reuven Ladiansky, Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, published a post on Facebook in which he sharply criticized the Chabad Lag BaOmer processions in the city.
Can you keep a secret? Solve an issue? We are looking for you for a prestigious position
In a conversation this morning (Wednesday) with Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit on 103fm, he explained his position.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
""I don't want the public space to be sacred to Chabad," he claimed. "In recent years, Chabad has been setting up stalls on Fridays, they've been placing dozens of menorahs in the public space. On Lag BaOmer, in recent years, they've been putting on shows. They're supposed to have about 20 parades today and tomorrow.".
According to him, "Judaism has many faces and the public space should not be given as a monopoly to one body called Chabad.".
He added: "As someone who thinks that the municipality should manage the public space, we should also allow other movements and bodies to hold events in the public space, even if these are bodies that, in terms of resources, have much less than Chabad has. I have seen several publications that say there are no female creators, singers, or actresses there, it's all men. That's also a problem for me. This is the public space and it needs to be managed correctly and give expression to other movements. Chabad does not have a monopoly.".
The deputy mayor of Tel Aviv explained that he does not want there to be advertisements for Chabad events that say "a box of surprises is promised to people and raffles for various prizes will be held as part of the procession, and a supposedly illustrated Holy Book will be given away, and popsicles and drinks.".
According to him, these things turn the public space "into an asset in the hands of one body that represents one particular stream, rather than allowing for more and more streams. I would like the Reformers and the Conservatives to hold events in the public space en masse.".
In response, Magal wondered: "Did someone stop them from holding events?""
Ladiansky: "The financial capacity and resources that the Chabad organization has are enormous. For all other bodies, their capacity is very limited. I don't want those who have resources and money to essentially control the public space. It needs to be balanced. If Chabad wants to rent a hall and have a party or celebration, and the hall is private - let them do it. The public space needs to be managed, so that all streams are given expression. I don't want everything related to Judaism to be Chabad.".
In response, Magal said: "My opinion is that you are a dark person.".
Ladiansky replied: "Okay, and you are an enlightened person. We have heard quite a lot about you.".
Caspit agreed with Magal: "You're scoring an own goal, because many Israelis who are not religious, but who love tradition, say, 'What does this man want?'".
Ladiansky: "This man wants a child growing up in Tel Aviv today not to think that everything related to Judaism in the public sphere is Chabad. For example, we have an example with our municipal youth movement today, which is the Scouts. Ask my children, what is a youth movement in Tel Aviv? They will tell you Scouts. Now, I don't want everything related to Judaism to be Chabad.".
Caspit: "The obsession with Chabad parades is stupid and unnecessary.".
