The Vaad L’Maan Shabbos is calling on Jerusalem City Hall to close the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on Shabbos. This new demand follows the successful battle to compel the closure of Cinema City on Shabbos. In a meeting with Mayor Barkat last week the rabbonim informed him of the new objective, the closure of the zoo on the holy day.
The rabbonim simply explained the law compels the closure of the zoo and other businesses. The mayor reportedly told the vaad members that City Hall’s enforcement abilities regarding businesses that operate on Shabbos are limited. The mayor committed to do what he can to minimize the number of businesses operating on Shabbos.
City Hall officials responding to the report state “There has not been any change in the Jerusalem [religious] status quo…”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
When did the zoo start opening on Shabbos?
Great to hear!!!!!
IF the zoo is open without charge and agrees to use only non-Jewish employees on Shabbos, why not let it be open? Back when city zoos were free, walking to the nearby zoo was a popular activity on Shabbos afternoon.
Of course, they aren’t likely to open for free, which explains why they want to be able to run their business on Shabbos.