Ongoing Struggle Over Chillul Shabbos: 17 Bus Companies Allegedly Mechallel Shabbos

As a sequel to the meeting held between two Shas MK’s, Michael Malkieli and Yoav Ben Tzur, with director of the ministry of ‘labor and social affairs’ Avigdor Kaplan, the MK’s sent a letter to the director stating that according to a report that reached them, there are 17 bus companies operating on Shabbos without the proper permits to do so.

“According to information that has reached our office from drivers working for various companies”, writes Malkieli, “during the upcoming weekend, Friday- Sunday… operators of many public transportation companies intend to employ their employees on their weekly day of rest, without receiving a permit to do so”.

Malkieli optimistically added, “We are all hopeful that the information brought to our attention is incorrect. If however the allegations are just, - in light of the serious violation of the law, we demand to carry out a large scale operation of law enforcement among the following companies”.

Malkieli then went on to list the names of the companies in suspicion.
Malkiel also pointed out that “the critique should not only include the drivers but also the other employees in the companies.

“As well, it is also necessary to ensure that Jewish workers arriving at the company for work to be done on Motzei Shabbos, do not do so on Shabbos without the proper permit”.

‘UTJ’ put out a joint statement with ‘SHAS’ yesterday, condemning the recent lax in Shabbos observance taking place on the governmental sphere.

The statement affirms, “we can’t agree to this severe phenomenon in which Shabbos turns into the state’s maintenance day. We demand from the prime minister to keep the coalition agreement, to return the status quote to its original state, and to immediately halt the infrastructural work being done for the train”.
The statement also addressed the general lax in Chillul Shabbos which is unacceptable and must immediately be stopped.

“So too in adding additional bus routes on Shabbos, and the lack of law enforcement of pirate public transportation companies on Shabbos. The parties see in the ongoing situation a severe breach in the coalition agreement.

After meeting with the PM and the relevant ministers, the matter will be brought to Gedolei Yisroel to render a decision.”
Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!