MK Yaakov Asher of the United Torah Judaism party has blasted the government for its plan to restrict attendance at Selichot prayers at the Kotel, even as concerts and other cultural events go ahead without such restrictions.
"Thousands are permitted to gather in indoor venues for concerts, sports events, or other similar gatherings. The government likewise hasn't placed any restrictions on Friday [Muslim] prayers on the Temple Mount," Asher pointed out.
"It's only when it comes to Selichot prayers at the Kotel that the author of the 'definitive guide on combating the coronavirus' wakes up and starts worrying about contagion. This government is throwing tallis and tefillin overboard, and it should come to its senses and remove this shameful proposal from the agenda."