Jerusalem Municipality confiscated chametz from stands at Jaffa Gate

Jerusalem Municipality inspectors, led by council member Arye King, confiscated chometz from stalls at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City.

The story began with the permit given to a number of Arab shops located in the Jewish Quarter and the Jaffa Gate to sell chametz, because the chametz is intended for the Arab residents.

Several years ago a number of residents got organized and went up to bakeries offering to pay them to avoid the sale of chametz. But this year, the bakers told the surprised residents that the arrangement is not acceptable and they will continue to display and sell chametz even during Chol Hamoed.

"At first we did not understand why this year they decided to insist," says Rabbi Ephraim Holtzberg, activist and longtime resident of the Jewish Quarter who dealt with the issue, "After a little investigating, we realized that the Waqf (Islamic endowment) was involved. We do not know whether with threats or payments, but it meant that they decided to sell chametz not respond to our requests as on every year. Moreover, they added booths at Jaffa Gate above the Mamilla shopping center.

"The Waqf are engaged in a war on the Jewish control of the Old City and unfortunately this year they decided to offend religious pilgrims and act for the sale of chametz openly and defiantly."

In response, Holzberg set up stalls in front of the chometz stalls which gave out matzos to all Jews who came to the chametz counters. "We printed special envelopes with explanations about the prohibition against eating chometz, and special attendants hired by us stood at the stall and handed to all the Jews who came to buy chometz an envelope containing two matzos. Thus Jews who could have G-d forbid failed with the prohibition d'oraysa avoided it at the last minute."

This is not the end of the story. Member of the Council of Jerusalem Arye King who passed there, was shocked and turned to CEO of the municipality to send inspectors to clear the stands. Indeed, on Thursday evening, inspectors from the municipality arrived and cleared the stands at the plaza. The Waqf did not keep quiet and kept sending Arabs during Shabbos to sell chometz in front of the many worshipers who reached the Wall. However, the municipality was prepared in advance and Druze inspectors especially hired inspectors confiscated 20 sale counters of chometz in the Old City.

King, who initiated the move, boasted in his Facebook page: "Thanks to members of my Facebook page and intense and direct cooperation with city inspection of the Jerusalem Municipality, the municipality confiscated dozens of stalls selling chametz stationed at the Jaffa Gate and its surroundings. We promised to take care of Judaizing Jerusalem and we try to meet our obligations to the voters."

Attorney Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Conservative Movement, responded: "The Chametz Law is a law originally worthless, since forced Judaism is not Judaism, but how much folly, how much racism and how much mischief should come together to enforce this law especially at the Jaffa Gate, in the mixed city of Jerusalem.

"Arye King is the one encouraging, but the municipality led by Barkat is the executive. Just imagine what would happen if Paris mayor would restrict the sale of matzos in Jewish streets and sent the Paris police to enforce this order. The chometz which King and Barkat have to eradicate is not in the city, but in their hearts".

Noam Goldschlager, a secular activist who was furious at the action, also responded and attacked the move: "It suffices to read the responses to council member Arye King on Facebook to understand what a person we're dealing with and who are his supporters.

"From calls to remove those with impure blood to the requirement to deport those who oppose the racist practice of King. By the way, do not forget that all this is done under the banner of Jerusalem Mayor who is moderate and secular, Barkat."

"Free Israel" now holds a demonstration outside the home of Barkat following the move. Micky Gitzin, CEO of Free Israel, said that "What happened tonight in Jerusalem is a combination of racism, insensitivity and religious coercion. It is infuriating to see Barkat's hands perform the policy of Kahanist Arye King".


Matzos stall in the Jewish Quarter

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!