Former Ganei Tikva Council Member Expels Hasidic Charity Collectors Ahead of Tisha B'Av

Two days before the Tisha B'Av fast, a disturbing incident in Ganei Tikva has sparked outrage across the Jewish community. Eli Sakriano, a former council member from the 'Yes Tikva' list, was filmed shouting at and forcibly expelling Hasidic yeshiva students who were collecting charity money outside his building. Despite their attempts to calm the situation and greet him peacefully, Sakriano rejected their gestures, accused them of taking too much state aid, and threatened to call the police if they did not leave immediately.

This event follows recent similar humiliations of Torah scholars during charity drives and highlights growing tensions and hatred against religious Jews in public and media spheres. The video of the confrontation circulated widely, prompting sharp condemnation from local Shas party leader Tal Matityahu. Matityahu called the act a "crossing of a red line of baseless hatred" and "exclusion that has no place in our community." He criticized those who demean religious individuals based on their appearance or faith, warning that such behavior fractures the unity of the Jewish people.

Matityahu urged residents to show restraint and tolerance, especially during the mourning period of the Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av. He called on Sakriano to apologize to the expelled yeshiva students and the broader religious community for the offensive conduct. The incident has reignited debates about religious coexistence and respect within Israeli society and the challenges faced by Torah learners in public spaces.

The case remains a focal point for discussions on combating hatred and promoting pluralism in Ganei Tikva and beyond, with calls for elected officials to lead by example in reducing societal tensions.