In response to the growing chilul Shabbos in Yerushalayim, the Agudas Yisrael faction in Jerusalem City Hall convened on Sunday, 1 Elul to discuss the alarming trend. It was decided to discuss the matter with the admorim of the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael of the party.

Five members of the faction met in the home of the Slonim Rebbe Shlita and additional meetings are planned in the coming days with other admorim who serve on the Torah Council. This includes Gur, Vishnitz, Sanz, Erlau, Belz and others. The councilmen explained their concerns, which surround their feeling that while much of the chilul Shabbos has been ongoing for years, there is a worrisome increase in the “secular spirit” in the city that is spreading, perhaps demanding a program to be mechazeik Shabbos in the holy city.

The councilmen told the admor that “We are compelled to announce defined borders” regarding chilul Shabbos and the religious status quo in the capital.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)