One has to wonder just how much hate there can be for another Jew or fear of practicing Yiddishkheit with Rosh Hashanah just days away.

Chabad shaliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Amiti was working the streets of Herzliya doing ‘mivtzaim’ and was fined 730 shekels for stopping passers-by and asking if they wish to put on tefilin. He was fined for “harassing passersby” R”L. He was instructed to close the tefilin booth and when he refused, he was fined.

The Municipality initially responded by saying, “It is the duty of the Herzliya Municipality to ensure the freedom of movement of every person in the public sphere and to prevent disturbance and harassment”.

The second incident this week occurred in the southern city of Sderot, where the siren used to signal the beginning of Shabbos is not at the heart of an issue, for some feel the sirens create a disturbance despite the fact they are sounded during the day, not late at night. Nevertheless, for some, the public announcement that Shabbos is beginning is simply more than they can tolerate.

The gabbai of the Ari Shul turned to Shas MK Michael Malchieli for assistance and City Hall graciously agreed to cancel the fine after the correct persons were contacted. The question remains as to what will take place this coming erev Shabbos – if another fine will be issued or will the siren which ushers in candle lighting time be tolerated?

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)