Israeli Land Authority Plans Eviction of 70-Year-Old Nes Ziona Synagogue Amid City Dispute
The Israel Land Authority (ILA) has announced its intention to file an eviction lawsuit against the "Ezrat Achim" synagogue in Nes Ziona, which has been operating for over 70 years. The synagogue association claims the city municipality is obstructing a resolution, while the municipality states it is working to find an alternative location. The conflict escalated after the ILA's legal advisor revealed that despite a meeting with the Nes Ziona mayor, the municipality has not provided a nearby alternative plot for the synagogue, prompting the ILA to prepare a legal move that could lead to the synagogue's demolition.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the synagogue, serving dozens of local residents for prayer, Torah study, and community activities, was required to vacate its current site. The ILA had expressed conditional willingness to allocate land to the synagogue association, pending municipal approval, offering hope for the synagogue's future. However, the association accuses the municipality of not advancing this solution and failing to utilize the ILA's readiness to formalize the synagogue's status.
In response to the eviction threat, synagogue worshippers held an emergency meeting, and hundreds of Nes Ziona residents signed a petition urging the prevention of the synagogue's demolition and the continuation of its activities. The municipality responded that it is actively seeking a solution, including a temporary location for the synagogue, but currently lacks suitable land in the neighborhood.
Attorney Doron Raday, representing the synagogue association, expressed disappointment over the municipality's reluctance to cooperate despite the synagogue's longstanding community role and public support. He called for genuine assistance to prevent the demolition and preserve the synagogue's heritage. Raday also stated that if the eviction lawsuit proceeds, the association will use all legal means to prevent demolition and secure the synagogue's status.
