Yahadut Hatorah has turned to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat with an urgent request, that he abides by coalition agreements and maintain the city’s religious status quo. The chareidi party is referring to the site known today as the Mitcham HaTachana, the old train station in the Emek Refaim area that has become a popular area for Shabbos shopping R”L.

Councilman Yitzchak Pindrus visited the area last Shabbos afternoon and document the chilul Shabbos at the area, which has become a popular Shabbos shopping and entertainment locale.

Mayor Barkat has responded positively and has informed the city council that the religious status quo will be maintained as was the case in previous years. He promised Yahadut Hatorah councilmen that any and all stores operating in violation of the Shabbos law on will be shut. The mayor has consulted with his legal staff and has signaled businesses operating in violation of the law compelling their closure on Shabbos must be closed.

A committee including the mayor, Yahadut Hatorah’s Eliezer Ruchberger and other councilmen will try reaching an understanding with business owners, informing them the law does not permit them to open on Shabbos.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)