Struggle in Jerusalem: "We will fight desecration of Shabbos"

The Committee for Shabbos declared war against the desecration of Shabbos expected at the huge shopping center complex in Jerusalem's old train station - which is scheduled to open this summer, B'Chadrei Charedim has learned.

An area of 11 acre at the compound in Jerusalem's old station, located on Hebron Way, will be migrated this upcoming spring as commercial space, art and food. According to the ambitious program seven restaurants will be established at the compound, along with a huge visitor center, shopping center and more.

The complex is not urban and it would be run privately. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also stated in the past that he will lend a hand to open the place on Shabbos. "Public places are closed on Shabbos, private places – each and everyone decides what's good for him, that is the status quo in Jerusalem, and it does not change."

As part of the planned struggle, the committee will meet fully next Wednesday to discuss a number of possible measures against franchisees shops and their owners - if the shops open on weekends and holidays.

"We will not allow a Center to open in the holy city of Jerusalem which declares in advance that it will open its doors on Shabbos," said committee secretary, Yitzchak Goldknopf. "We will examine it opposite the relevant sources, fight it in any way, and certainly in the center of Jerusalem we will not be silent at the opening of a place on Shabbos in such an extravagant manner."

Previously, the local Yahadut Hatorah publicized a message, which has expressed strong opposition to the opening of the complex if there will be Shabbos desecration, and attacked Barkat for his support for desecrating Shabbos. "We strongly express our protest against trampling the sanctity of Shabbos openly and publicly in Jerusalem - the holy city of G-d and the people of Israel. We are appalled and shocked to read that you do not oppose the opening of business on Shabbos, with an explicit statement that this was a violation of the status quo, as this is a private business."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!