HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita was questioned by a man who purchased a number of apartments in northern Israel as an investment. The man according to the Kikar Shabbos report, asked if he may rent them out to anyone or only to chareidim.
The report states that with the growing housing crisis, members of the chareidi community have purchased apartments in inexpensive areas in northern and southern Israel to rent to others. At times the question arises if they may be rented out to anyone.
One of these investors asked Rav Chaim Kanievsky about the rentals, and Rav Chaim was quoted responding “One is prohibited from selling or renting to one who is mechalel Shabbos”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
The non-discrimination laws in EY may be in conflict since for multi-family housing, it is illegal to discriminate based on one’s religious beliefs. As yidden, we should be especially sensitive to denial of rights since for decades we suffered from such discrimination based on religious beliefs.
Notice that the question was asked about Charaidim, but Rav Chaim Kanievsky mentioned Michalleli Shabbat.
Charaidi or Dating Leumi is not a difference here and maybe not a difference elsewhere.
As yidden, we should be especially sensitive to honoring Hashem. This is Reb Chaim’s decision. Not denying anyone’s rights; respecting Hashem and the Torah. It’s not so complicated.
I agree with the Rebbe