Tel Aviv now wants markets closed on Shabbos but court says no

The situation with Tel Aviv and stores opening on Shabbos has taken a very strange turn...

Until now, Tel Aviv has allowed stores to open no Shabbos, even though it was against the law. They gave a slap on the wrist, of sorts, in order to fulfill the law, but in actuality let them stay open. The concept of allowing businesses to open on Shabbos was fought by the small markets association, as they felt it was hurting them - they both wanted a day off, and also could not afford the fine, even a nominal fine, if they chose to stay open, unlike the large stores. The court ruled against Tel Aviv and said they have to either change the law or seriously enforce the current law. They attempted to change the law, but Gideon Saar refused to approve it, as he felt it was too vaguely qualified. They have now approved a new law to allow businesses to remain open, and it is waiting for Saar's approval or rejection.

And here is where it gets confusing.

Tel Aviv City went to the courts and asked for court orders against the various shops to stop them from opening on Shabbos.

The city wants them open, and until has done nothing serious to stop them, and has now attempted to change the law to allow them to remain open - but now the City goes to court to force them to close?

And, the courts said no, they would nopt issue such an order.

So, Tel Aviv wants the shops open, but is making some sort of an effort to close them. The curts want the businesses closed, but is refusing to actually order them shut, which means that until November (the date set for a hearing on the issue), these businesses can remain open on Shabbos.

The judge of the district court says he rejected the request for a court order because the City cannot decide on Tuesday to close the shops, go to court on Thursday and shut the shops down. This is an issue that needs time.

That does not make sense to me. If the courts said the City must enforce the law, why not let them?

I cant tell any more who wants the businesses open and who wants them closed.


sources: TheMarker, Bechadrei, Ladaat, NRG

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