A day before the combined Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael will be convening on Thursday, Minister of Welfare & Social Services (Likud) Chaim Katz addressed the religious state quo and the fact that soccer R”L has been a part of Shabbos for many years, since the beginning of the state back in 1948.

Speaking to the internet ONE News, Katz explained there will be a permit for soccer on Shabbos and he will observe the Shabbos status quo, which includes soccer.

Last motzei Shabbos, in his weekly drasha, Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita called on any and all persons who might have influence, to prevent Shabbos soccer, which he explained is more severe than work carried out on Shabbos by Israel Railways.

Rav Yosef went on to explain the problem is the Sephardim, who are by and large traditional, fall prey to the soccer. Rav Yosef cites Herzliya as an example, explaining the Sephardim go to shul but the moment there is official [state] approval for soccer, “I cannot predict what will occur – אוי ואבוי!”

Rav Yosef adds that while they may not be frum, there does not have to be Chilul Shabbos but the moment soccer moves into place, there is nothing to speak about. “We must be mispallel for our leaders, that HKBH give them Chachma, Binah and Daas to do the correct thing. At present the Sephardim are not all Mechalel Shabbos but if a government ‘heter’ is given, the results will be far more devastating”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)