Tensions are rising in the frum community in Pisgat Ze’ev amid plans to open a branch of Kashtan Deli, a treif store. In other areas, branches operate on Shabbos and yomtov, and they sell non-kosher items along with kosher. The opening of this branch is set for February 2016 and religious residents appear willing to do what they can to prevent this from occurring.

A protest including shofaros and tefilos is planned for the coming days. Rabbonim will be taking part in a protest at the location sometime next week. MyNet quotes Rabbi David Amar saying “This is simply awful, opening such a store in our neighborhood. This is a neighborhood that is a part of Jerusalem and everything is based on kashrus and tahara. Now they wish to bring a ‘sheretz’ into our community. This is a blow for us. While this neighborhood is basically non-religious, it is becoming perhaps chardali, or I would say at the very least traditional”.

Many of the area residents welcome the opening of the deli, explaining everyone has the option and no one is compelled to shop in the store.

Roni Ben-Yair, a member of the minhal (local government) explains what has many upset is the location of the store, on the main street adjacent to the light rail stop.

It is pointed out that two branches of Kashtan Deli already exist in the capital and this will be the third.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)