Minister of the Economy Aryeh Deri on Sunday 22 Elul ordered the closure of the national pavilions of the Israel Export Institute and the Ministry of the Economy exhibitions on Shabbos and Yomtov. This will affect first and foremost the Israeli Pavilion at the New Amsterdam Media to be held inter alia on Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah.

Minister of Welfare & Social Services (Likud) Chaim Katz did not like Deri’s decision, stating “It is unacceptable that such a significant decision is made by the Economy Minister alone. This is a breach in the status quo and a significant blow to one’s freedom of occupation”.

Katz stated he plans to take the matter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, asking for a special cabinet discussion on the matter.

Deri did not go on the defense but preferred to strike back, telling Katz to concern himself with assisting the needy and not chilul Shabbos and Yomtov.

Officials in Deri’s office praised his decision which they explain will prevent chilul Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah. They add they will look into compensating those who will suffer a loss as a result of the decision.

Deri’s office also released a message to the media. “It is unfortunate that a cabinet minister in Israel, one affiliated with Likud that includes many traditional voters, calls for active chilul Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah, holy days to many citizens of Israel. It would be worthwhile for the minister to begin working towards assisting the needy and weaker class instead of working for Chilul Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)