Galilee Residents Outraged by "Stay Home" Order During Simchat Torah

An advisory issued to residents of the Misgav Regional Council ahead of Simchat Torah, instructing them to remain in their homes and avoid travel between 2 PM and 8 PM, has sparked outrage among Jewish residents in the Galilee. The directive was issued due to planned demonstrations in the Arab towns of Sakhnin, Arraba, and Deir Hanna. Residents expressed anger that the six-hour period of restricted movement coincided with Simchat Torah celebrations and Hakafot (rejoicing with Torah scrolls) in Jewish communities.

Maayan Tal Mor, a resident of Gilon, posted a video protesting the instruction. "Notice the announcement we received yesterday from the Misgav Regional Council, our council: tomorrow on Simchat Torah, precisely during the hours of Hakafot, we were told not to leave our homes because the Arabs are demonstrating," she stated, criticizing the situation that required Jewish residents to stay indoors while others could protest.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the directive, linking it to a broader issue of governance in the Galilee. "The council's instruction tells the story of the loss of sovereignty and governance in the Galilee, which must stop immediately," Smotrich said. "The situation where Jewish residents are required to lock themselves in their homes on a holiday is unbearable." He added, "The party is over. The revolution we led and carried out in Judea and Samaria, we will also transfer to the Negev and the Galilee. This is critical for the future of the State of Israel."