HaGaon HaRav Zamir Cohen on Wednesday, 11 Elul, met with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat as a shaliach from the head of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita. The two discussed Rabbi Cohen’s concerns pertaining to chilul Shabbos in the city.
According to a Kikar Shabbos News report, Rav Shalom Cohen is concerned with what is perceived to be the growing secular characteristic of the city. Rav Zamir Cohen explained to the mayor the issues including the increase in the number of stores opening for business on Shabbos.
Mayor Barkat told Rav Cohen that there is no change in the religious status quo in the city. He pointed out that the law of the state is to permit the opening of private theaters on Shabbos, referring to the new Yes Planet entertainment complex. Barkat explains he does not have the authority to order the closure of the complex on Shabbos for opening is not a violation of the law.
The meeting reportedly took place in a positive atmosphere and the mayor reassured Rabbi Cohen that he remains committed to the status quo in the city.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Good.
Barkat is ambitious .He covets the job of PM
Well, let him show what side he’ll be on
While of course I’d love to see these businesses closed on Shabbos but I wonder, is it within his jurisdiction to get these establishments closed? Is he empowered altogether to stop it? I’m just a bit naive and don’t know!
“he remains committed to the status quo in the city” – the status quo is, he says one thing and does another.