Though the Tel Aviv Municipality has been embracing the LGBT community in recent years, Jewish orthodox groups find said embrace less than desirable.
Ynet learned Wednesday that a video issued by the Tel Aviv municipality explaining the city's new mapping system, in which two men are featured holding hands and having their arms wrapped around each other, has evoked Shas' wrath.
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City Councilman Benny Babayof, a member of the haredi party, sent a letter to Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai protesting the video, which was also posted on various media outlets and social networks.
'Dan and Danny' holding hands in Tel Aviv mapping system video
(עיריית תל אביב)
- "I was appalled to see in the video the characters of 'Dan and Danny' holding hands, embracing and caressing each other," Babyof wrote.
"The implication to the couple's sexual orientation is inappropriate and should not be representative of the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa," the councilman added. "The municipality should promote family values and Torah rather than abominable massages. I therefore demand that you remove the video immediately."
However, Babayof told Ynet: "Many people in the city oppose these opinions and try with all their might to turn Tel Aviv into the city for the gay community. This is groundless."
The city's response, asserted by Councilman Yaniv Weizman, advisor to the mayor of Tel Aviv on LGBT issues, stated: "Tel Aviv was and will continue to be a home for the gay community, despite the efforts of dark forces, as represented by Councilman Babayof.
- "It is our responsibility to assure every boy, girl, citizen and resident that these voices do not represent Tel Aviv, nor are they legitimate in any way."