Ophira Assayag Decries Religious Coercion in Entertainment Industry

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

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Media personality Ophira Assayag criticized the growing religious coercion in Israel's entertainment industry, citing singer Ben El Tavori's request to use religious phrases in official documents. Assayag, who lives by her own interpretation of religious observance, advocated for freedom of choice, stating "let everyone live according to their faith." She also dismissed rumors about former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's marriage as election-related "fake news."

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Ophira Assayag criticized religious coercion in entertainment, citing singer Ben El Tavori.
Assayag stated, "Let everyone live according to their faith" regarding religious practices.
She explained her personal observance of religion is "in my own way."
Assayag dismissed rumors about former PM Naftali Bennett's marriage as fake news.
The comments come as millions of Israelis prepare to vote in upcoming elections.

Israeli media personality and television host Ophira Assayag has spoken out against what she perceives as a growing trend of religious coercion within the entertainment industry. Speaking on her radio show on Radio Tel Aviv, Assayag addressed recent reports that singer Ben El Tavori requested his production teams to begin official documents with the Hebrew abbreviation "Bes"d" (meaning 'with the help of God'). Assayag, who herself comes from a religious background but has chosen to live differently, emphasized the importance of freedom of choice.

"Let's not enter a country where there is religious coercion," Assayag stated. "I feel that all the singers are getting closer to religion. I hear that one wants tefillin, and another demands they write Bes"d. Ben El, do what you want, but let everyone live according to their faith."

She clarified that her stance is not one of disrespect for tradition, but a firm belief in personal choice. "I observe religion in my own way," she explained. "I am a former Haredi woman and a former 'ba'alat teshuva' (one who returned to religious observance), but in my soul, I light Shabbat candles and observe the holidays as prescribed. I try in my own way." Assayag added that she does not pressure her children, friends, or partner to adhere to religious practices, reiterating, "If you want to drive on Shabbat, drive. If you want to return to observance, return. Let everyone live according to their faith."

In a separate comment on her WhatsApp channel, Assayag also addressed rumors about marital issues concerning former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his wife Gila, dismissing them as "fake news" spread during election periods to defeat opponents.