After the shock of the break-in show held by fashion designer Milli Dahan at the Beit El synagogue, known as the international synagogue operating under the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, to the sounds of a choir of cantors singing sacred verses - the reactions are coming.
Shock: Models in revealing clothing held a fashion show inside a synagogue in Tel Aviv
Milly Dahan's public relations office stated: "The 2015 winter collection draws its inspiration from the motifs and architecture of synagogues around the world. The connection between the inspiration and a synagogue was only natural. We apologize to anyone who found fault with this connection. The synagogue gave its consent for the event to be held within its walls.".
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The director of the Bat Kol Choir, whose members performed at the show, said: "The Bat Kol Choir is saddened and regrets the terrible desecration of God in which its singing played a part. Although this was not done maliciously, God forbid, but through deception and deceit on the part of the producers.
""It was agreed in advance, verbally and in writing, that the purpose of the display was to encourage modest dress and a return to the values that represent prayer and the synagogue, and that no harm would be done to the place. It was even said that the choir would sing in the synagogue and the display would be held outside the synagogue.".
""To our great regret, in the middle of the recording, the models began to walk around inside the synagogue, and from his position behind the stage, the conductor did not see that the models had entered the synagogue.
""To the best of our knowledge, immediately after the fraud was discovered, legal steps were taken. In retrospect, it turns out that it was a mistake and naivety to take part in the whole matter. As every day, we pray that we may be worthy of sanctifying the name of God.".
It should be noted that according to a video documenting the event, it is impossible that the choir members did not notice what was happening.
The synagogue's rabbi, Rabbi Ariel Constantine, is abroad, and his response could not be reached.
Response from the Tzohar Organization: "The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization is shocked by the desecration of the holy place and the disgrace of the synagogue, which is contrary to Jewish law. The synagogue rabbi claims that this activity was done without his knowledge and consent, and he is taking legal measures to bring those responsible for these terrible acts to justice.".
The World Synagogue Federation responded: "The World Synagogue Federation expresses shock at the desecration of a holy place and the introduction of offensive, commercial elements that are inappropriate for its sanctity. The synagogue is intended to serve the community, create connection, increase brotherly love and respect for God.".
""The marching of women in revealing clothing in a place, to the sound of holy verses, is nothing less than a crime and a disrespect for all sacred values.".
The fashion show held in the synagogue, with the models walking through the synagogue space to the sounds of the song "Shalom Aleichem Malachi HaShalom" by the Israeli cantor choir "Bat Kol", caused a huge shock.
In the photos, which are no less shocking, models are seen walking in revealing clothing and with obvious immodesty in front of the Ark of the Covenant in the synagogue, while dozens of women and men watch and photograph them.
This surreal, not to mention bizarre, appearance is not from a Reform synagogue – which would also apparently have avoided this severe provocation – but rather from an Orthodox synagogue.
The show was filmed for the original production of Israeli hot entertainment 'It Girls' as well as for leading fashion blogs and media outlets from the wider media.
While waiting for the bizarre show, one of the models had an epileptic seizure and screams began to be heard throughout the synagogue. The injured model was quickly evacuated by ambulance, and the show continued with the bizarre concept.
