Police Disperse Protesters at Rabbi Erez Elharar's Installation Ceremony in Hod Hasharon

A protest erupted outside the 'Ahuzat Hall' in Hod Hasharon during the installation ceremony of Rabbi Erez Elharar as the city's chief rabbi. The event, held on a Sunday evening, was attended by Israel's two chief rabbis, Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Bar, alongside other rabbis and public figures. Protesters gathered outside the venue opposing the ceremony and at one point attempted to approach the entrance to disrupt the event. Police forces present at the scene intervened and removed the demonstrators, after which the protest ended.

Inside the hall, the ceremony proceeded as planned. Yehuda Avidan, acting CEO of the Ministry of Religious Services, addressed the protesters outside by sending a message of reconciliation, emphasizing unity during the month of mercy and forgiveness. He stated, "He is the rabbi of the secular, the religious, everyone. Because of this, they want him and wanted him." Rabbi Kalman Bar also echoed this sentiment, calling for unity among all Jews.

Rabbi Erez Elharar was elected as Hod Hasharon's chief rabbi in December 2025, ending a 16-year period without an official city rabbi. He received 24 votes from the electing body after competing against several candidates. Elharar is a senior member of the Yechaveh Da'at yeshiva and a disciple of Rabbi David Yosef. Prior to his election, he served as a community rabbi in Hod Hasharon.