The shameful proposal passed by the Herzliya Municipality to have buses operate on Shabbos Kodesh remains on the public agenda in the city. Reactions in the secular city are fierce and merchants and bus drivers have voiced anger and frustration over the populist decision, which not only tramples over the sanctity of Shabbos, but also violates basic workers' rights, depriving them of the only rest day.
"Like everyone else, I was surprised at the very idea," the rov of Herzliya, HaRav Yitzchok Yechiel Yaakobovitz, told Yated Ne'eman, "and I certainly hope that it does not go into effect at all."
Weeks ago the Tel Aviv City Council approved a similar move to introduce public transportation on Shabbos. Herzliya Mayor Yael Gorman decided to adopt the idea and last week 12 council members voted in favor, with only five opposed - three members of the Religious Council (with the notable absence from the vote by one of the NRP representatives) and two members of the opposition, Yaron Olami (Likud) and Dror Ezra (Greens).
To take effect the decision requires the approval of the national Transportation Ministry, which is expected to deny this blatant violation of the status quo. Yet Mayor Gorman, who heads the local Meretz party, announced that if the Transportation Minister does not sign the motion passed by the Herzliya City Council she will petition the High Court based on a precedent-setting decision on the issue years ago under Judge Shamgar.
