Marathon Runners who recently competed in the Tiberias 42.2 Kilometer Marathon run, were treated to a special type of reward at the end of their long journey.

The Leonardo Hotel in the host city of the marathon provided free massages for runners who participated in the race, in the Synagogue at their hotel.

Channel 10 published photographs of the impromptu massage room, that depicted massage tables set up in in front of and in close proximity to the Holy Ark, as well as in other corners of the room. The runners, who were wearing sportswear and running clothes, were treated by masseuses who were specially brought in for the event.

The race took place on Friday morning, and  the massages continued on until late in the afternoon. Minister of Religious Service David Azoulay was quoted in the report saying, “of course this is a serious issue. I feel that this is disrespectful and inappropriate.”

Chief Rabbi David Lau also responded to the incident and said, “A synagogue is a holy and sanctified place for each and every Jew. These pictures are a shot to the heart for every Jew.” Sources close to the Chief Rabbi have said that Lau intends to look into the matter and question those involved in the decision to host the massage parlor in the synagogue, as to why it was allowed to happen. “More education regarding the how to treat a holy place with sensitivity is needed,” said the Chief Rabbi.

The city of Tiberias as well as the Leonardo hotel have responded to airing of the story and said “The hotel responded to the organizers of the event and gave permission for a room to be used so that massage students would be able to treat the marathon runners. The students, with good intentions made the mistake of going into the wrong hall, and instead of going into the hall intended for them, went into the synagogue and set up the massage parlor there. Soon after, the hotel staff realized the mistake and reorganized the students in the proper room.”