The Tel Aviv Association of Makolets (grocery stores) headed by Kobi Brenner is once again leading the battle to prevent Tel Aviv City Hall from permitting stores in the city from operating on Shabbos and Yomtov.

YWN-ISRAEL reported that Tel Aviv City Hall is working to amend the law to permit a limited number of businesses and entertainment centers to operate on the holy days.

Brenner and his organization remains adamantly opposed, explaining if stores open they will be compelled to follow suit to remain competitive, for the small merchant simply cannot afford to sit back and enjoy the day off while shoppers take their business elsewhere. Brenner adds he is not interested in the Chilul Shabbos and he feels the mayor is going to compel merchants to work on Shabbos when this is not what they want.

Brenner accused Mayor Ron Huldai of working to put him and his colleagues out of business in the interest of pushing what he views to be a new agenda.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)