MK (Yesh Atid) Dr. Aliza Lavie is backing a bill that would permit a non-religious employee refuse to work on Shabbos. She feels that a non-frum person should have the same right to refuse to work on a Shabbos as a religious employee. The bill was discussed by the Knesset Law Committee on Sunday, 12 Adar I. Lavie explains that Saturday is the nation’s day of rest and therefore, no one should be compelled to work against one’s will.

According to the current law, if one is requested to work on Shabbos, one may submit an affidavit that one conducts a religious lifestyle and therefore, the employee may not be fired. The same is not true for non-religious workers Lavie explains.

While it appears the bill will enjoy widespread support some feel it is nothing more than Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid to find favor in the eyes of religious voters.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)