Public protests continue in response to the trampling of
Shmittah laws underfoot through extensive planting at the
Daniel Interchange along the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway.
MK Rabbi Uri Maklev sent an urgent letter to Transportation
Minister Shaul Mofaz and the board of Derech Eretz demanding
an immediate halt to the landscaping work. In response he was
informed that the work is not under the responsibility of the
Transportation Ministry or Derech Eretz.
In his letter to Derech Eretz, Rabbi Maklev wrote, "I would
like to draw your attention to the fact that along Highway 1
at the Daniel Interchange drivers report vegetation is being
planted. Obviously this type of gardening work is strictly
prohibited during the Shmittah year. Not only does this
planting work offend a large segment of the public, both
religious and traditional Jews, but carrying it out also
blatantly tramples the mitzvah of Shmittah, which is very
severe."
At the end of his letter MK Maklev demands that the CEO of
the company order a halt to the work, saying that in the
future a change should definitely be instituted. "I urge you
to issue instructions to stop this work immediately and to
see to it that the mitzvah of Shmittah is not tread on in
public view."
Rabbi Maklev's office staff says everyone denies
responsibility. The Transportation Ministry claims the work
is being executed by a private franchise-holder while Derech
Eretz insists it is not in charge of the area in question. A
letter the company sent to Rabbi Maklev reads, "Derech Eretz,
which operates Highway 6, would like to make clear that it is
not executing the planting work along Highway 1 at the Daniel
Interchange and never was involved in this work. Furthermore
the work reported is not taking place in an area under Derech
Eretz's charge. Derech Eretz strictly observes the laws of
Shmittah and therefore postponed planting until after the
conclusion of the Shmittah year."
Rabbi Maklev's staff says an in-depth inquiry will be
conducted in the field to locate those responsible for the
work and to bring it to a halt.
