Israel Police and the Kosel Heritage Foundation are stepping up efforts to oust schnorrers from the Kosel Plaza and the surrounding area. While their presence has been declared illegal some time ago, actual enforcement of the new regulation was far from efficient on the best of days. Officials in charge of the day-to-day running of the holy site and security officials are concerned; explaining the presence of the dozens of panhandlers presents a security concern in addition to a bothersome reality for the many visitors to the site.
In a new step, photos of the schnorrers have been distributed to the guards manning the entrances to the area, and they are instructed not to permit them to pass through metal detectors.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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3 Responses
The Kotel Admin. should set aside a place for these fellow jews that are in need, unfortunately, there are some that have been abusing verbally everyone that do not give them money, as well there are others that have made this practice of panhandling a FULL TIME JOB.
There are many biblical precedents for this (and many other) policy of the zionist regime. Just check out parshas Vayera.
i think the term “Shnorrers” is a little out of place, many are soliciting for worthy Divrei Mitzvah and yes, a couple are abusing the system. but that has always been the case, where there is good there will be a rotten apple somewhere in the corner.
i was raised that the term “Shnorrer” had a slightly (or not so slightly) derogatory connotation. i would expect better from YWN.