The Sabbath War: A new law aimed at allowing businesses to open on Shabbat will be submitted at the beginning of the winter session.
The law will be submitted by MKs Elazar Stern of the Movement and Ruth Calderon of Mish Atid, and it will be called the "Shabbat in the Public Space Law.".
According to the proposal, state institutions, as defined by law, will be closed on Shabbat, with the exception of course of institutions needed for public safety, such as hospitals and the like.
On the other hand, public institutions such as theaters, museums, national parks, and zoos will be open on Shabbat. It will be possible to pay for activities during Shabbat, but an option will be given to pay before Shabbat for the Shabbat-observing public.
The bill distinguishes between commercial and recreational activities. Commercial and industrial activities will be closed on Shabbat. If a particular local authority requests an exception and allows containers to be opened on its territory, it will need special permission from the Minister of the Interior.
On the other hand, entertainment, recreation, and cultural activities will be allowed on Shabbat, with the local authority determining the manner of activity.
In addition, the bill stipulates that urban community centers and community centers will open on Shabbat, and cultural activities for the secular public will take place there.
According to Stern, "the alienation from Jewish values and the disregard for the different shades in Israeli society, on the other hand, are causing a growing gap between Israeliness and Judaism." The second initiator, Calderon, added that it is time "for the state to outline principles of conduct on Shabbat.".
The one who was quick to attack the bill was MK Eli Yishai, who said: "The additional attempt by Yesh Atid's seminary and the movement does not seek to harm the Jewish religion, but rather the entire Jewish world.".
"Although the polls do not flatter those MKs and their party, the desperate attempt to garner seats by harming the Jewish religion in the belief that this will bring them back a voter or two is an attempt that harms the intelligence of the voters, whom the proponents of the law seek to caress. The Sabbath has protected us for 3,000 years - we must protect it as well.".
Yishai added: "Beyond harming the character of the state, this will result in those who respect and observe the Sabbath, religious and traditional, and many others who see the Sabbath as a day dedicated to family and rest, being discriminated against when accepting a job that may open in accordance with the new law.".
Jewish Home also made it clear that they oppose the bill, and will not allow it to pass as it is. "These legal statements will hold an item and a quarter, whatever is not agreed upon will not happen," emphasizes Jewish Home.
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