Islamic Leader Condemns Israeli Law Tightening Mosque Noise Restrictions

Fawaz Mashhour, chairman of the Islamic Council for Halachic Rulings in Israel, strongly criticized the preliminary approval of a bill aimed at stricter enforcement against mosque loudspeaker noise. The bill prohibits the installation or operation of loudspeaker systems in mosques without a permit, which will be granted based on noise levels, noise reduction measures, mosque location, proximity to residential areas, and the impact on residents. Police officers will have the authority to immediately demand cessation of loudspeaker use and confiscate the system if violations persist.

Mashhour accused Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his associates of ignoring the serious crime issues affecting Arab communities, including car bombings, grenade attacks, and repeated murders that terrorize residents. He described Ben-Gvir's attempts to silence the call to prayer as "desperate" and said they only strengthen Muslims' resolve to continue broadcasting the call.

Addressing Ben-Gvir directly, Mashhour warned that many oppressive figures have tried and failed to silence the call to prayer, which remains resilient. He added that the true response to hatred and racism is for Muslim youth to turn to mosques and for young women to embrace prayer and the hijab.