Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Vows to Block Chabad Synagogue Proposal

Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Reuven Ladianski has publicly declared his intention to prevent the establishment of a synagogue by Chabad emissaries in the Ramat Aviv Gimel neighborhood. The request, submitted to the local planning and building committee for a special permit to use a parking lot area for a synagogue, was met with strong opposition from Ladiansky.

In a video shared on his X account, Ladiansky stated, "I will not allow a synagogue to be built here. No synagogue, no yeshiva, nothing will be built here in the underground parking lot. We will put an end to Chabad's attempts to take over various spaces in Ramat Aviv Gimel." He specifically mentioned that Chabad had already taken over part of the underground parking lot and was now seeking to convert it into a synagogue, adding that he would use his position on the subcommittee to block the plan.

Ladiansky's remarks drew criticism online, with users arguing that a synagogue should be permitted in a Jewish state and questioning the source of his animosity. Some users pointed out that if it were a mosque, he might react differently.

The article notes that Ladiansky, as one of ten council members on the Local Planning and Building Committee, cannot unilaterally block the request. The committee's professional staff will review the application, and while Ladiansky can voice his opposition, the final decision rests with the committee. Historically, the committee tends to deny special use permits that do not align with the existing designated purpose of a space.

The Tel Aviv Municipality stated that applications for special use permits are reviewed by professional staff, and this case would be no different. A response from Reuven Ladiansky's office was pending at the time of publication.