The Sabbath Struggle: MK Elazar Stern is trying to defend the 'Shabbat Law' that he is currently initiating, claiming that it will actually strengthen the Sabbath.
""The Sabbath is a gift that the Jewish people received from the Holy One, blessed be He," said Stern. "The alienation towards Jewish values on the one hand and the disregard for the different shades of Israeli society on the other hand are causing a growing gap between Israeliness and Judaism.".
According to him, "The proposal that they intend to submit strengthens the uniqueness of Shabbat in Israeli public life while truly addressing the desire to preserve the character of the State of Israel as a Jewish state and to preserve the democratic character of the state.".
The 'Sabbath Law' was initiated by MKs Stern and Ruth Calderon. According to the proposal, state institutions, as defined in the law, will be closed on Shabbat, with the exception 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 municipal community centers and community centers will open on Shabbat, and cultural activities for the secular public will take place there.
The second initiator, Calderon, claimed that the time has come "for the state to outline principles of conduct on Shabbat.".
Jewish Home has already 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.
MK Eli Yishai also attacked the bill, saying: "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 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.".
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