Shabbos inspectors dispatched by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, also known as the “Druse Commandos,” raided the Tiv Taam branch in Kiryat Chaim which operates on Shabbos, causing great disorder at the site.

Following the surprise raid, the branch manager sent most of the Jewish cashiers home, thinking it would reduce the fine for violating the law against employing Jewish workers on Shabbos. The cashiers were told to leave the premises immediately. As a result of the long lines that formed, many shoppers simply abandoned their carts and left the market.

The Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry confirmed that Shabbos inspectors conducted raids in the Northern Region as part of Minister Eli Yishai’s policy of increasing enforcement of labor laws, especially the laws restricting work on Shabbos.

Tiv Taam also acknowledged that the inspectors visited the branch, but claimed they did not engage in any enforcement activity. According to company officials the chain can legally open stores on Shabbos in coordination with the local authority, but the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry firmly denied their remarks, saying opening workplaces on Shabbos is prohibited by the Work and Rest Hours Law.

(By Yechiel Sever for Deiah veDibur)