Top Rabbis Visit Harish, Boosting Haredi Community Growth

Prominent rabbis, referred to as "Gedolei Yisrael" (great ones of Israel), visited the city of Harish on Friday for a strengthening event, following a tour of northern cities including Haifa and Afula. The visit was prompted by a request for the rabbis to pray in a proper synagogue rather than in the street. Harish, located near a major transportation artery, was chosen as a halfway point for the event. The management of the Harish event committee was informed of the decision just days prior, and teams quickly organized the preparations. The "Ahvat Torah" synagogue in the Betzavta neighborhood, which had recently expanded its hall, was prepared to accommodate the large crowd. Hundreds of children lined the streets to welcome the rabbis with singing. Following the Maariv prayer, led by Menachem Shapira, Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak, MK Yaakov Asher spoke about the impressive growth of the Haredi community in Harish. He stated that despite past attempts to prevent Haredi development in the area, Harish serves as living proof of the biblical verse "As they oppressed them, so they multiplied and spread abroad." Asher noted the sight of hundreds of yeshiva students and children filling the venue, marveling at the Torah center established in the city. The event's highlight was the delivery of sermons by Rabbi Dov Lando and Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, both Rosh Yeshivas. Rabbi Lando emphasized the importance of acting and influencing for the "Toratit G" list, offering blessings to all involved. Rabbi Hirsch stressed the unique privilege and obligation to sanctify God's name in peripheral cities. The city's rabbis, Tzvi Freund and Reuven Miron, concluded the speeches by thanking the visiting rabbis for the strengthening message they brought to the residents. The event concluded with a rendition of "Ki Arech Yamim" as the rabbis departed for further engagements in northern cities.