Can synagogues in Canada refuse to admit members, or revoke the membership of existing congregants, if their political views on Israel and the war in Gaza differ from those of the majority of the congregation? At what point does criticism of Israel cross the line and become a threat to the safety of Jewish community members? And when are courts entitled to intervene in the internal affairs of a religious institution?
The decision by Congregation Etz Chayim, a synagogue affiliated with the Conservative movement in Winnipeg, to revoke a couple's membership has sparked a legal battle after the two claimed they were unlawfully expelled. Lawyers representing both sides presented their arguments at a hearing before Manitoba's Court of King's Bench, which happened to be scheduled for a symbolic date: October 7, 2026.
Emet Eviatar and David Hoult had been active members of Winnipeg's Jewish community for three decades, belonging to Etz Chayim and its predecessor, Rosh Pina Congregation. Eviatar regularly read from the Torah and led services, while Hoult was also actively involved in congregational life. But following the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip, a rift emerged between the couple and the congregation over Eviatar's public opposition to Israel's military campaign and Hoult's objections to tighter security measures at the synagogue.
During the war between Israel and terrorist organizations in Gaza, Eviatar established the Winnipeg chapter of Standing Together, an organization that has sharply criticized Israel's actions in the Strip. She appeared several times on a local CBC morning program alongside Ramsey Zeid, president of the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, who said of the October 7 attack, "When you back people into a corner, what do you expect?" He also shared social media posts referring to "demonic Zionists."
Like many synagogues following the October 7 attacks, Etz Chayim sought to strengthen security measures at its premises, including reinforcing doors and requiring advance registration for Shabbat services. The dispute escalated after Hoult sent a letter to synagogue leaders describing how, in his view, an armed attacker could gain entry despite the new security measures.
The contents of the letter raised concerns among congregation leaders, who contacted Winnipeg police and consulted security officials. Two police officers subsequently visited Hoult's home and informed him that he was prohibited from entering the synagogue. That same day, congregation leaders notified the couple that their membership had been revoked and that they were barred from attending services and activities at the synagogue. The synagogue had issued several warnings to the couple before taking these steps.
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators in Canada
(Photo: REUTERS/Arlyn McAdorey)
In an article published in the Winnipeg Jewish Post, Hoult explained his views on the war in Gaza and expressed his opposition to the decision to increase security. Among other things, he wrote: "If I were to gun down this synagogue, these security measures wouldn’t do any godd and therefore, why are we doing this? It’s not right."
The Canadian court must now determine whether the synagogue violated provincial corporate laws, which are designed in part to prevent unfair treatment, when it revoked the couple's membership.
The synagogue argues that it is a voluntary association and that its actions were intended to protect the safety of the congregation. It emphasizes that it is a religious institution rather than a business corporation and maintains that courts should not interfere in decisions concerning the congregation's internal affairs.
According to synagogue representatives, the couple's political views, public statements and ties to anti-Israel Palestinian leaders in the city made other congregants feel unsafe. The synagogue also argues that the couple's conduct is no longer consistent with its mission and vision.
The judge is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks.