The chareidi tzibur in Petach Tikvah was angered over a city organized Tikun Leil Shavuos event that included Yesh Atid party leader MK Yair Lapid. They point out that for one thing, Lapid had to be mechalel yomtov to get there. Yahadut Hatorah leader in Petach Tikvah, Eliyahu Bruchi, told Kikar Shabbos News “ The city’s chief rabbi did his utmost to have the event canceled, albeit without success”.

The advert for the city-sponsored Tikun Leil Shavuos stated Lapid was to speak about Moshe Rabbeinu’s punishment. It was clear to all that the MK was going to drive or be driven on yomtov to attend the event.

Chareidi elected officials in the city and local rabbonim cried out that the event will without a doubt lead to the guest speaker being mechalel yomtov but their calls fell on deaf ears. Organizers explained they invited Lapid for yomtov and told him they will see to it that he has accommodations including meals but he declined the offer.

Bruchi explained he tried his best to reach out to organizers, which included a local branch of Bnei Akiva. He adds that after realizing no one was listening to him, he turned to the city’s rav, Rabbi Micha Halevy, who joined in, opposing the event. Bruchi stated that the rabbi did his best to prevent the event from taking place.

Petach Tikvah City Hall officials explained the event was intended to be a kiruv event between the religious and non-religious communities and to recite Tikun Leil Shavuos. Officials added the event was held in an atmosphere in line with yomtov and no microphones were used and there was no chilul yomtov, explaining the lights and air conditioners were operating on timers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)