Thirteen Israeli Cities Ban Live Chicken Ritual Ahead of Yom Kippur

Thirteen Israeli municipalities have decided to forgo the traditional 'Kaparot' ritual using live chickens for Yom Kippur in 2026, following appeals from the animal welfare organization "Let Animals Live." This marks the second year the organization has urged local authorities to prohibit the practice.

Four new cities have joined the initiative this year: Tel Mond, Yeruham, Mevaseret Zion, and Yavne. They join a growing list of municipalities that have previously committed to the ban. Among those renewing their commitment are Kiryat Bialik and Rishon LeZion, which had already agreed to the ban last year.

These cities are now added to a longer list of municipalities that have prohibited the ritual for years, including Kfar Saba, Ra'anana, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Be'er Sheva, Ashkelon, Ramla, and Petah Tikva.

"Let Animals Live" stated that according to the Veterinary Services' procedures, local authorities have the right to ban the use of live chickens for the Kaparot ritual within their jurisdiction. The ritual's performance, whether involving slaughter or not, is contingent upon obtaining a permit from the local veterinary department.