Efforts are ongoing to end the crisis surrounding the chilul Shabbos in Herzliya; public buses operating in some areas which are funded by Herzliya City Hall.
The chief rabbi of the city, Rabbi Yitzchak Yechiel Yakobowitz Shlita is working with Councilman Ralad Tzadikov to stop the bus service, turning to MK Moshe Gafne and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri to become involved.
As a result, Interior Ministry Chief Attorney Yehuda Zameret sent a letter to Herzliya Legal Counsel Anat Bahrav-Karen in which he cites the legal issues with the city funding public transportation on Shabbos. The letter questions the legality of the municipality operating the bus service, which is problematic without addressing the issue of Shabbos. It quotes the city’s website saying that the “Summer line” will operate on Shabbos and Yomtov from 8:00AM to 4:00PM during the summer months.
This Zameret points out presents legal issues for the city is not permitted to operate such a transportation system. Another question is if the bus line has been authorized and licensed as required by law, citing High Court petition 4494/12 from 2012 filed by the City of Herzliya against the Transportation Ministry, a petition the city eventually withdrew.
Zameret adds that in line with Public Transportation Regulation 386a, one may not operate public transportation on the day of rest and licenses will not be granted for this purpose. Zameret questions if City Hall has made such a request to receive a license and has one been granted.
The Interior Ministry now awaits Herzliya City Hall’s response.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Instead of trying to dictate to frei yidden how they spend their time Shabbos, which will never be successful, perhaps give them a reason to want to be shomer Shabbos. You cannot dictate how people live their lives and shouldn’t waste time trying.