Tel Aviv approves new bylaw: 165 supermarkets will open on Shabbat

August 11, 2014   

The Shabbat War in Tel Aviv continues: The Tel Aviv City Council yesterday approved the opening of 165 supermarkets and convenience stores on Saturdays.

Businesses will not open in neighborhoods with a religious character or near synagogues.

The bylaw was approved by a majority of 18 in favor and 4 against. This is a bylaw that was amended after Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar refused to approve a similar bylaw several months ago.

This means that businesses that open on Shabbat will be fined, but the municipal bylaw allows them to open and maintain the secular character of the city of Tel Aviv. Main points of the updated bill:

 • A division into urban districts will be made and a regional quota will be set for the number of permits, based on population criteria. In the event that more applications are submitted than the quota, a lottery or rotation mechanism will be established among the permit applicants.

  • Priority will be given to supermarkets and kiosks on main thoroughfares and commercial centers, where there is usually extensive activity on Shabbat (restaurants and entertainment venues).

 • A mix of kiosks and supermarkets will be maintained that will allow for a diverse service that is appropriate to the various needs of the population.

 • A mechanism will be ensured to prevent nuisances and disturbances, as well as a ban on opening near active synagogues.

This evening, the law was brought to a vote in the council's plenary session - and was approved, despite strong opposition from the ultra-Orthodox council members from the joint Haredi faction.

Huldai gave a long speech, and among other things said: "We insist on discussing the issue again because we are not willing to give up the 'Tel Aviv spirit.' The spirit of freedom and tolerance that accepts and embraces everyone and allows each and every one to live here according to their own way and beliefs - even on Shabbat and holidays.".

Huldai also expressed "deep disappointment" with the Minister of the Interior's intervention in the matter. "I say here clearly and unequivocally that I intend to take a tougher stance on this issue and insist that the issue not turn into a religious war of any kind.".

As you may recall, Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar has harshly attacked the Tel Aviv Municipality in the past, claiming that the enforcement they carry out against businesses open on Shabbat is "Israeli bluff.".

ממטה המאבק של העסקים הקטנים והמכולות נמסר בתגובה: "חולדאי הפך את 'הישראבלוף' לאידאולוגיה. זוהי החלטה הזויה, המתבססת על נתונים מגוחכים וכוללת הגרלה מופרכת שלא קיימת בשום מקום אחר בארץ. זהו ניסיון נוסף להונות ולמסמס את החלטות בית המשפט העליון ושר הפנים. חוק העזר יאפשר לטייקוני העיר להמשיך לעשוק את עובדיהם ולהמשיך לפגוע בעסקים הקטנים ולמנוע מהם את יום המנוחה. בעלי המכולות בעד עיר חופשית בשבת ובעד תחרות הוגנת, כאשר הציבור מבין את מניעי הטייקונים ודוחה את הניסיון הציני של התאגידים הגדולים להפוך זאת למאבק דתי".