Acting unofficially, prominent Israelis and Palestinians recently teamed up to draft their own blueprint for peace.
He also cited support for Mr. Rich among prominent Israelis.
On the one hand, prominent Israelis of Sephardic or Oriental origin are admired for the purity of their speech and Yemenite Jews are often employed as newsreaders.
The synagogue, with its ornate stained-glass windows, marble pillars and sweeping arches, has played host to prominent Israelis before: in 1977, Prime Minister Menachem Begin addressed the congregation.
Degania Alef has been home to many prominent Israelis and members of the Yishuv.
In the last week, several prominent Israelis and Israeli peace groups have called for the government to shut down some of them now.
Among the many prominent Israelis who sent letters on behalf of Mr. Rich was Shabtai Shavit, who was chief of Mossad from 1989 to 1996.
He brandished a sheaf of letters from prominent Israelis praising Mr. Rich.
Anthony Lewis of The New York Times, who has been writing and traveling in Israel, discussed the problem with a number of prominent Israelis over the last two weeks.
It will also give her the opportunity to stand beside prominent Israelis.