Schnorrer Yigal Halperson was not willing to take his expulsion from the Kosel sitting down, turning to the High Court of Justice in the form of a petition against the Ministry of Religious Services, seeking a court order permitting his return to the Kosel to daven and act freely as he did in the past.
He told the court that he has been seeking handouts at the Kosel for years, without becoming a nuisance, pointing out that no one has ever filed a complaint against him. Nevertheless he told the court; Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz has had him removed from the area.
In its response, the state explained that he is welcome to enter the Kosel area, and of course permitted to daven and to enjoy the religious site, but the security laws that govern the holy sites around the country prohibit one from begging for funds. The state added that the Rav of the Holy Sites does have the right, as stipulated under the law, to remove those who do not comply with the law. The response continues to explain that at the Kosel especially, an effort is made to prevent mispalalim from being bothered, harassed and at times, even nudged physically or worse by schnorrers. Examples are cited, including beggars who tug at the clothing of mispalalim, who raise their voice to taunt them in the hope of receiving a donation or other bothersome acts, all viewed as an affront to the many visitors of the Kosel and other holy sites.
The court ruled that Halperson may indeed visit the Kosel to daven an act appropriately, within the confines of the law, and ordered the petition dismissed.
The state pointed out that he was permitted to visit without panhandling in the past, but he was often annoying and bothersome to other visitors, prompting the decision to ban him from the site.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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2 Responses
i dont know how they can enforce this-they would have to drag beggars away continuously-maybe they could start a class in proper begging-i am serious!
For thousands of secular Jewish visitors to Israel, the Kosel is their only opportunity to having a taste of spirituality. Being involved in kiruv, I have very often heard from these visitors, that this opportunity was lost, because of the shnorrers coming over to them and harassing them for money. And harassing they do!
I doubt my post will do anything to change the situation, but at least next time you visit the Kosel, go over to one of these students or visitors, and offer politely to help them with any questions which they may have etc.