At a city council meeting this week, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat reaffirmed his commitment to coalition agreements and the law, which compels stores to close on Shabbos. The mayor was responding to complaints from religious councilmen who cited increasing chilul Shabbos in the area of the “Train Station” and city center.

The mayor told councilman of Yahadut Hatorah, Shas and Bnei Torah that he remains committed to the religious status quo in the city and has no plans to make any changes. The mayor appointed Prof. Aviad HaKohen to the Committee of Three, the rabbonim overseeing Shabbos adherence in the city. He called on the frum councilmen to keep him informed and he welcomes their suggestions on the matter of maintaining the religious status quo.

He explains the law as it stands today does not apply to the booths operating in the Train Station complex and therefore, City Hall lacks the authority to shut them. Regarding businesses that are operating in violation of the law, the mayor promised would be addressed and they will be compelled to close.

The next battleground is likely to be the Cinema City complex near the Supreme Court. Finance Minister Yair Lapid has ordered the mayor to permit the complex and its movie theaters operate on Shabbos, adding some of the funding came from his office.

The mayor responded explaining the City Council voted the complex would not operate on Shabbos, and as such, the matter is closed.

Lapid appears determined to have the complex, which consists of movie theaters, a shopping center and more to open on Shabbos.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)