Givat Shmuel Council Member Pushes for Zionist City Rabbi Appointment

Givat Shmuel City Council member Dor Harlap recently met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Religious Services Yariv Levin in Tel Aviv to advance the appointment of a city rabbi. Harlap presented Levin with a list of 12 candidates compiled after extensive consultations with community leaders and public meetings, reflecting the diverse population of Givat Shmuel. The list includes Rabbi Eli Zilka, Atti Engelsman, lawyers Daniel Hadad and Bar Abelis, Zvi Galant, Professor Asher Yahalom, Dror Peleg, Dr. Merav Blaish, Dr. Tali Vishna, Batya Chayavi, Avigail Kashtan, and Oren Elfi.

During the meeting, Harlap urged Levin to expedite the selection process, which has been delayed for about two years. He emphasized the community's desire for a Zionist city rabbi with strong personal and religious stature, military service background, and commitment to educating about army service while serving all residents diligently. Levin explained that the delay is mainly due to technical and legal issues, some involving Mayor Yossi Brodny. The minister promised to consider including Harlap's recommended representatives in the selection committee once the process moves forward. Harlap pledged to continue monitoring and updating residents on developments.