On Monday MK Zevulun Orlev (NRP) tabled a law that would
maintain the prohibition against all industrial and
commercial activity on Shabbos, but would permit various
cultural and leisure activities, with limitations on their
locations and noise levels. He also proposed operating public
transportation to these places.
"A religious MK cannot lend a hand to permitting Shabbos
desecration through legislation, even if the current
situation is much worse than what it would be under the
proposed law," said MK Rabbi Avrohom Ravitz in response to
the proposal by MK Orlev.
Rabbi Ravitz added that he supports the second of Orlev's
proposals that would make Sunday a day of rest because it
would allow Jews who work hard all week to devote another day
to Torah study. "It's a shame that Orlev is tying this law
together with another law permitting public transportation to
leisure and entertainment spots on Shabbos. It's clear that
the first part cannot be backed and that Shabbos desecration
cannot be legally sanctioned."
MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni also said, "We will oppose this law
unflaggingly. It upsets the status quo and we will not lend a
hand to Shabbos desecration and breaching the law."
Though the proposal calls for the use of minibuses with a
maximum capacity of 12 passengers to "maintain the character
of Shabbos" and keep noise levels down in largely religious
areas, the move would be a major breach and would allow
nationwide public transportation on Shabbos for the first
time since the founding of the State.
The second of Orlev's proposals would make Friday a half day
of work and Sunday a full day off. Orlev says the two
proposals complement one another and would significantly
reduce Shabbos desecration.
Various MKs including Rabbi Meir Porush, Minister Eli Yishai,
David Tal (Kadima), Yitzchak Levy (NRP) and former MK Yigal
Bibi (NRP) slammed the proposal, saying that it would lead to
large-scale Shabbos desecration, and accused Orlev of
"sacrificing the Shabbat on the altar of media ratings." Even
figures from the secular left failed to embrace the
proposal.
Several years ago the NRP advanced a similar proposal, but it
was defeated in a preliminary reading by a majority vote of
the coalition.
