The bill intended to limit the volume emanating from mosques, which enjoys the backing of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, is being fiercely opposed by Arab MKs, the PA (Palestinian Authority) and others who feel it is a violation of freedom of religion.
One objection came from a surprising place, from a resident of Arad who feels the Erev Shabbos siren announcing the arrival of Shabbos is no less annoying. Veronica Yerushalmi of Arad was interviewed by Ynet and she explained her opposition to the siren which is sounded on Erev Shabbos and Yomtov, calling it an unwanted invasion and interruption in the tranquility of the day.
She explains at times it is music of one song or another. She told Ynet that a few years ago she rented an apartment which she and her family loves, in the Chalamish neighborhood of the city but now, on Fridays, without warning, the music begins blasting for a number of minutes.
Veronica adds she has turned to local officials in the hope of silencing the speakers and it worked for about a half year but now they are back. “There is no enforcement and everyone does as they please” she feels.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
Freedom of Religion, or speech, or anything for that matter, by definition, can never impose or disturb others. You can’t force a bakery to service a gay wedding or a Rabbi to officiate at one. Nor can you blast your horrible “chazzanus” and wake up half the country at 4 in the morning!!
There’s a big difference,the Shabbat siren isn’t in the middle of the night when most people are sleeping!!!
Shabbat Alarm dosnt blow at 430 am besides is 1 day vs 7 days a week. Nonetheless that will give them the upperhand to tell them scrap ALL miuezzin or whatever the name is calls. So i will say is fair trade
True #2 except it’s still loud
So what zionflag,so are church bells which ring here in Jerusalem and throughout the world but they don’t ring them at 4AM!That’s a big difference!
There is no halacha to sound a siren before Shabbat. If it disturbs the neighbors, it should not be used.