Canadian Synagogue Expels Couple Over Israel Stance, Sparking Legal Battle
A synagogue in Winnipeg, Canada, has expelled a couple, Emet Eviatar and David Hoult, due to their public criticism of Israel's war in Gaza and concerns over security measures. The couple, long-time members, are challenging the decision in court, arguing unlawful discrimination. The synagogue maintains its actions were necessary for community safety and within its rights as a religious institution. A ruling is expected soon.
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- A Winnipeg synagogue expelled Emet Eviatar and David Hoult over their views on Israel's war in Gaza.
- The couple's membership termination is now a legal battle in the Manitoba Court of King's Bench.
- Eviatar founded a local chapter of Standing Together, an organization critical of Israel's actions.
- Hoult questioned the effectiveness of new security measures implemented after the October 7th attacks.
- The synagogue claims the expulsion was for community safety and to uphold its mission.
- A court ruling on whether the synagogue violated anti-discrimination laws is expected soon.
A Conservative synagogue in Winnipeg, Canada, known as Etz Chayim, has had its decision to revoke the membership of a long-standing couple, Emet Eviatar and David Hoult, brought before the Manitoba Court of King's Bench. The couple, who were active members for three decades, claim they were unlawfully expelled due to their political views on Israel and the war in Gaza. The legal proceedings, coincidentally scheduled for October 7, 2026, will determine whether the synagogue violated provincial laws against discrimination by terminating their membership.
Eviatar founded the local chapter of "Standing Together," an organization critical of Israel's military actions, and publicly voiced opposition to the war. Hoult expressed reservations about increased security measures at the synagogue, which were implemented following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He wrote a letter to the synagogue board suggesting that the new security measures would not deter an armed attacker, which raised concerns among the leadership and prompted consultation with police.
Following Hoult's letter, police informed him he was banned from the synagogue, and the synagogue board subsequently announced the termination of both his and Eviatar's memberships, barring them from all activities. The synagogue had reportedly warned the couple multiple times before taking these actions. The couple argues their expulsion was unjust, while the synagogue contends that their political stances, public statements, and associations with anti-Israel Palestinian leaders created insecurity among other members and contradicted the synagogue's mission.
The synagogue is asserting its right as a voluntary religious organization to make decisions regarding its internal affairs and community safety, arguing that legal intervention is unwarranted. The court is expected to deliver its ruling in the coming weeks.
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