Chilul Shabbos was Baruch Hashem prevented, the operation of buffets on Shabbos in public parks in Haifa. As a result of the vigorous activities of Haifa City Council members, at the last minute, the tender to operate buffets in five public parks in the city of Haifa was prevented.

Kikar Shabbos News published the tender was requested to be issued on behalf of the Haifa Economic Society when one of the main conditions was working on Shabbos. Ity Council member Michi Alper sent a harsh letter to Mayor Yona Yahav protesting the terms of the tender that require Chilul Shabbos.

The Director-General of Mosdos Vishnitz, Mendy Fischer, joined in as a member of the Board of Directors, objecting to the tender which includes Chilul Shabbos. He also spoke passionately of the importance and significance of Shabbos.

Members of the City Council contacted Mayor Yahav, who was out of the country, asking him how to respond to demands to remove the tender for as long as it compels Chilul Shabbos.

Immediately upon his return home, the mayor began working to remove the tender from the agenda. Efforts are underway to define a new tender, one that complies with the city’s Shabbos status quo, one that will not compel Chilul Shabbes.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)