Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Declares Tel Aviv City Hall 'Repented'

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu stated that Tel Aviv City Hall has "repented" and proven the city to be truly liberal, during a Selichot (penitential prayers) event held at Tel Baruch beach in Tel Aviv. The event, organized by the Council of Rabbis of Ramat Aviv and the Union of Community Rabbis, ultimately proceeded with a partition, a point of contention that preceded the gathering.

Rabbi Eliyahu defended Tel Aviv, asserting that it is a holy city, comparable to Jerusalem and Safed. He addressed the controversy surrounding the partition, noting that some had questioned the need for sanctity and modesty in Israel, and specifically in Tel Aviv, suggesting it was not a holy city. "But truly Tel Aviv is a holy city," he declared, emphasizing its sacred nature.

He explained that through the joint efforts of the rabbis present and others, they convinced Tel Aviv City Hall to allow the event to take place with the partition. "And thank God, Tel Aviv City Hall repented," he said. Rabbi Eliyahu further commented on the city's liberal nature, stating, "Now we see that it is truly a liberal city. Everyone can pray as they believe. No one will be forced to pray differently than they wish."

He concluded his remarks by saying, "We all want to be holy."