Ramat Gan City Hall has announced free buses to the Kosel as part of the city’s bus transportation, prompting HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein has released a psak that one may not travel on the free city buses.

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel HaCohen recently passed a municipal regulation permitting public bus service on Shabbos. These bus routes permit free transportation for those wishing to avail themselves of the bus service.

Seeking to promote equality, City Hall has also announced that during the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Aseres Yimei Teshuvah, the city would provide free buses for residents wishing to go to the Kosel to recite slichos.

Mora D’asra of Ramat Gan, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein Shlita was asked if one may avail oneself of the free city buses to reach the Kosel. It was explained to the rav the bus service is organized by the mayor, who now openly defies Shabbos observance. To justify his actions, as if he is truly concerned about equality and to justify the use of public funds to operate the Shabbos buses.

Following is the rav’s response regarding the use of the buses to the Kosel for residents.

ברור לכל מהי מטרת האוטובוס, ואין לתת יד למטרות אלו, להראות את צביעותו ולזעוק כשר אני. לכן אסור להשתמש בנסיעות שמארגנת עיריית רמת גן לכותל המערבי

“The motive for the bus service is clear to all and one may not lend a hand to this. One sees the hypocrisy and must cry out I am kosher. Therefore, it is prohibited to use the bus service provided by Ramat Gan City Hall”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)