A mass Fajr prayer marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha was held on Wednesday morning in the public space near the Yafo Port, with full gender separation between men and women, Arutz Sheva reported.

Footage published from the scene sparked questions and public uproar among residents and on social media in light of the policy of the Tel Aviv–Yafo municipality and its mayor, Ron Huldai, who in the past banned gender-separated Jewish tefillos in public spaces.

Huldai previously stated unequivocally that the municipality would not allow gender separation in events held on city streets. Critics questioned the gap between the enforcement of the policy toward the Jewish public and the Arab public.

In a video circulated previously presenting his official position, Huldai said: “There were several discussions, and we decided definitively that no event involving gender separation in the public space in the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo will take place. We will stand by this and preserve a free Tel Aviv.”

Activist Meir Ettinger commented on the event and sharply criticized the municipality’s conduct: “As every year, the Tel Aviv municipality, which opposed approving gender-separated prayers for Jews, is ignoring the event led by the Islamic Movement.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)