Former Council Member Expels Ultra-Orthodox Men Seeking Charity in Controversial Video

A scandal erupted in Ganei Tikva after a video surfaced showing Eli Sakhariano, a former council member from the "Yes Tikva" list, forcibly removing two ultra-Orthodox men who came to collect charity at a residential building. In the footage, Sakhariano harshly tells the men, "Good evening, I don't want to see you near me," and refuses to shake one man’s hand, saying, "You are my people, but you are not my brothers." He accuses them of taking government funds and demands they leave the building immediately, threatening to call the police if they remain.

The two men tried to calm the situation, but Sakhariano continued, emphasizing his role as the building's committee chairman and insisting they leave at once. The incident sparked condemnation from local Shas party leader Tal Matityahu, who called Sakhariano's behavior a "crossing of a red line of baseless hatred and exclusion that has no place in our community." Matityahu demanded that Sakhariano apologize to the men and the entire ultra-Orthodox public.

The video has stirred significant controversy in the town, highlighting tensions around charity collection and community relations. No official response from Sakhariano has been reported yet, and it remains unclear if further action will be taken by local authorities or political bodies.