The latest reported Chilul Shabbos in Jerusalem took place on Beit HaDfus Street in the Givat Shaul area of the holy capital, adjacent to the chareidi neighborhood of Har Nof. The work carried this past Shabbos entailed the removal of asbestos near the simcha halls at 15 Beit HaDfus where work is taking place. The work began on Friday afternoon and continued until motzei Shabbos.

Some of the residents of Har Nof saw the ongoing Chilul Shabbos, and this is how it became known to the tzibur.

According to the person in charge, who arranged for the work, the laborers who were there Shabbos were all non-Jews as some of the regular workers are Shomer Shabbos and were not about to take on the assignment.

He further explained the dangers of removing asbestos, and the hazards that would be associated with doing it on a regular weekday where the street is quite busy with commerce and more. Hence, the Shabbos work was compelled out of concerns for the public at large, and it was carried out in conjunction with officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protect.

Ministry officials explained that they do not hire contractors or engage in this, but they do set the standard and regulations that must be adhered to, but the time the work is to be carried out is selected by the contractor removing the asbestos, with consideration to avoid harming persons in the area.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)