Tensions are mounting between Jerusalem City Hall and chareidi parties in the coalition as additional businesses opened their doors this past Shabbos in the ‘Mitcham HaTachana’ complex, the old Jerusalem train center that has been converted into a mall. Councilman (Agudas Yisrael) Yochanan Weitzman addressed his concerns in an email on motzei Shabbos to party colleagues and the Vaad Rabbonim for Shmiras Shabbos.
He explained that in addition to souvenir and toy store that opened, other concession booths operated, some for book week and some selling other items.
Weizman added a play area for children was operating in violation as well, adding he was unable to determine if they were taking an entry fee for visitors to the play area as is done during the week.
Weizman also cited he received complaints of a hotdog stand operating at Kikar Tzion in city center on Shabbos.
Deputy Mayor Yitzchak Pindrus responded to the email, stating situation compels convening the Vaad for Shmiras Shabbos to take action as it appears “the dialogue has run its course”.
Pindrus told Kikar Shabbos news that the battle for shmiras Shabbos in the city is an ongoing one, adding he will be conferring with gedolei yisrael seeking direction.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
the way to get achdus isnt by imposing our own religiosity on others. yes i would love for all of am yisrael to be frum but theyre not. and imposing our religiosity on them only pushes them away. polls have shown that chareidim are more hated in israel than palestinians are, and with this article (and many other facets of the israeli chareidi world) i’m not surprised.