The Hadera City Council voted 9 to 8 against permitting stores in the city to open on Shabbos. Related to the vote, a Shas councilman filed a police complaint after receiving a threat. As the Hadera City Council debated the opening of the stores on Shabbos, dozens protested outside carrying signs “Stop the chareidim in Hadera” and “Hadera isn’t Beit Shemesh”.
Protesters demanded permitting stores to open on Shabbos along with the Cinema City complex that is planned. Hadera Shas leader Boaz Biton went outside to address the protesters in the hope of speaking to their hearts and why it is prohibited to open stores on Shabbos. Biton told protesters “You are my brothers and I love you” but his message was not received.
Hadera Mayor Tzvika Gindelman feels the new law is balanced and he hoped the law would pass towards permitting stores in non-frum areas to open on Shabbos. The mayor expresses opposition to permitting the opening of businesses in city center on Shabbos.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
If only all Jews would see the beauty and pleasure that Shabbos has- everyone has the ability to bring it out even if only in a small way. Even start at home! Let’s show our children how precious and enjoyable this holy day is to us!