It was a meeting of Jews, Druse, Christians and Muslims to speak about the controversial Muezzin Bill that seeks to silence the loudspeakers in mosques nationwide. Among the participants in the meet were MK (Likud) Yehuda Glick and MK (Machane Tzioni) Zouheir Bahloul, meeting with community leaders representing the religions mentioned hoping to reach an understanding.

The PA (Palestinian Authority) response to the bill has been accusing Israel of violating basic freedom of religion. That has been the general consensus among Islamic MKs as well. Chareidim were initially opposed, fearing it would lead to silencing the sirens heard in many frum areas around the country at candle lighting on Shabbos and Yomim Tovim. However, it appears the wording was amended and this has resolved the issue vis-à-vis the chareidim.

Israelis around the nation have been complaining about the volume of the loudspeakers in mosques without regard to time of day or night. The bill does not actually intend to shut the loudspeakers off, but simply place a decibel limit on their use.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)