Rabbonim in Ashdod are aware of the increasing chilul Shabbos in the city, including this past Shabbos, which saw the new ‘Shabus’ public transportation for those wishing to take advantage. As such, on motzei Shabbos, a Vaad Rabbonim of Sephardim was formed to address religion in the city and R”L, the growing chilul Shabbos in the public sphere.

The initiative for the new vaad comes from Deputy Mayor (Shas) Avi Amsellem, who is active in the field of education and religion on the city council, including the seminaries and yeshivos.

At the founding event, Amsellem lamented that once upon a time, such chilul Shabbos in the public sphere would never have occurred as people “would not have dared” such actions on Shabbos, but today, a different atmosphere prevails in the city.

“We may not sit without out hands folded and watch what is taking place. We are ten chareidi representatives and two kippot srugot (dati leumi), and the mayor himself, so that is fourteen representatives; (Math is Amsellem’s, not YWN-Israel) this is a respective strength, over 50% of the city council” exclaimed Amsellem, who added, “we are at many crossroads regarding the future character of the city, and while I do not wish to detail at present, we can no longer ignore this fact, as in the past, I tried to resolve issues by speaking to people” he added, but today, he feels this is no longer sufficient.

He added this past Shabbos, the pilot ‘Shabus’ public transportation operated and “There is too much talk in this direction among new councilmen” Amsellem added, citing the time for talking has passed and today, actions are demanded to prevent a further deterioration of Shabbos in the city. As such, he explained the need for establishing the new committee, to have rabbinic direction as they are compelled to address the new alarming reality in the city.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)