Rabbi Kook's struggle for mayor of Tel Aviv - who paved the status quo • Watch

September 8, 2024   

On the occasion of the death anniversary of Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Hacohen Kook, the late Rabbi of Jaffa, the Hotam organization presents a video describing how Rabbi Kook, as the rabbi of Jaffa, fought for the observance of the Sabbath in public spaces in Tel Aviv and Jaffa. The video is published against the backdrop of the struggle over the possibility of holding a separation prayer in public spaces in Tel Aviv during the Tishrei holidays, which is being led by the Hotam organization together with other organizations. The video describes how Rabbi Kook approached the then mayor, Meir Dizengoff, and demanded that he take action to prevent the desecration of the Sabbath in the city. It also describes how the rabbi promoted the unification of the residents of Jaffa with the city of Tel Aviv, while ensuring the observance of the Sabbath in the united city - which later became the status quo agreement in the establishment of the state, which prohibits public transportation and commerce on the Sabbath. Rabbi Aviad Gadot, CEO of Hotam: "The stubborn stance of the great seer, Rabbi Kook, zt"l, which stemmed from great trust and love for all of Israel, in Tel Aviv at that time, on the observance of the Sabbath "The Jewish character in the public sphere is a sign and example for us and we continue to follow its light. We will continue to work to preserve the Jewish identity of the state and to ensure the Jewish character of the city of Tel Aviv - a central city in the State of Israel.".