Protection of Historic Houses of Worship (Legislative Amendments) Bill

What does the bill do?

The proposal amends the laws on municipalities, local councils, the Israel Land Authority and planning and building in order to protect houses of prayer and of religious study that have served congregations of worshippers for at least forty years. It provides that it will not be possible to change the use of land, or to end or change the terms of use of such houses, except with the approval of the Minister of Religious Services and the President of the Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel. The proposal also provides that use agreements will be renewed on fixed terms as long as a congregation of worshippers exists, and this approval is also required for changing land designation, adding uses or demolishing long-standing houses of prayer.