Torah-true Jews in Jerusalem were shocked and outraged when a municipality parking lot opened on Shabbos Kodesh.
Last week, Erev Shabbos Parshas Behaalosecha gedolei Yisroel shlita issued a public notice saying whoever was able to protest the blatant trampling of Shabbos should come to the demonstration. Led by prominent rabbonim, thousands turned out. Six protesters were arrested , including a 16-year-old boy.
Many protesters say as the crowd dispersed police started exhibiting violent behavior, raising tensions to a high pitch. Even after Shabbos policemen continued beating passersby and causing damage in chareidi neighborhoods indiscriminately.
On Motzei Shabbos Deputy Mayor Rabbi Yitzchok Pindrus said, "United Torah Judaism is deeply concerned by any breach in the walls of Shabbos in Jerusalem. `Jerusalem was destroyed because of Shabbos desecration,' he quoted. The party will make every effort to ensure Shabbos is preserved in Jerusalem."
UTJ spokesmen expressed surprise over the police department's claim to the municipality that the parking lot had to be open on Shabbos for security reasons, whereas police told the protest organizers they knew nothing of that claim. Party representatives have been conducting intense negotiations with municipality officials to reject the police's demand and keep the parking lot closed on Shabbos.
Two months ago Vaadas HaRabbonim Lemaan Kedushas HaShabbos met with Mayor Barkat, telling him about the severity of opening Karta or any other parking lot and making clear that the status quo must not be abrogated.
The Mayor promised no moves would be made without consulting with the rabbonim. In a letter to the Mayor the rabbonim decry his decision to open the Safra parking lot without consulting with them. "Jerusalem will not rest. It will stand up to defend the honor of Shabbos. Chazal say Jerusalem was destroyed because of Shabbos desecration. Do not press the residents of Jerusalem. Keep in mind that through your actions you are dividing Jerusalem and causing feelings of discontent that are best avoided. Do not allow ill sentiments to flare. Avoid contention before it breaks out," they wrote, quoting Mishlei 17:14.
On Friday Vaadas HaRabbonim representatives maintained contact with the Mayor's staff in an effort to prevent the parking lots from opening, but were unsuccessful.
