Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita spoke out about soccer on Shabbos, citing it is more serious than the chilul Shabbos involving maintenance for Israel Railways. The rav made his remarks during his motzei Shabbos shiur. Rav Yosef elaborated that at this time, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is working with a government committee R”L to legalize the sport on Shabbos which Rav Yosef explains “Would trample kedushas Shabbos”.

The rav explains the problem is davka among his followers, the Sephardim, adding one can go to Herzliya and see this phenomena R”L. “We must be mispallel for our leaders that HKBH will grant them wisdom and understanding”, concluding “יתמו חטאים מן הארץ ולא יתמו חוטאים ויחזרו כולם בתשובה שלימה, that they should return and bring everyone to complete teshuva.

Last week Walla News reported the Vaad of Ministers which grants permits for ‘necessary chilul Shabbos and it appears they are about ready to declare soccer will be legal on Shabbos. Attorney Raz Nezri is formulating recommendations and where to act.

It was also reported that PM Netanyahu and Welfare Minister Chaim Katz sat in on the meeting and are going to give their approval too R”L.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)