This week, Meital Lehavi, the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv, shared a video showing her attempt to dismantle a tefillin stand set up in memory of the victims of the Nova music festival tragedy. In her post, she wrote: “We’ve had enough of illegal stands in public spaces.” Her actions sparked outrage among the victims’ families, including those of Osher and Micha’el Vaknin, as well as the festival organizers. Their mother, Rachel, emotionally shared with Walla: “My heart pounded with a bad feeling. Why was this stand a problem? I cried for so long. It was only a memorial for my murdered children. Why such hatred?” She continued, “I see their pictures on the stand, and it warms my heart. I’m alone now. Their friends try to keep it up, but I don’t know what will happen.”
In response to the backlash, Lehavi deleted her post and offered an explanation: “Yesterday, I shared a story that was misunderstood. During a tour in Kerem HaTeimanim, I saw a stand placed at a public intersection. I’ve seen similar stands encroach on residential areas, so I find unauthorized use of public space problematic.” She further clarified: “Today, it’s a tefillin stand; tomorrow, it could be something else. Placing a stand at an intersection, especially secured to concrete, is illegal. However, as an elected official, I must be more sensitive regarding October 7th events. I never intended to disrespect the victims’ memory.”
Lehavi concluded her remarks with an apology: “My post hurt a bereaved mother and the Vaknin family. I regret and apologize. Had I known it was a memorial, I wouldn’t have posted it.”
{Matzav.com Israel}The post Deputy Mayor Tries to Remove a Tefillin Stand In Memory of Nova Victims, Sparking Outroar first appeared on Matzav.com.