Is Israel the same as Europe?

The Likud is in a bit of disarray over the minimarket law coming to vote this week. One Likud MK wants to oppose the law, while others want her thrown out of the Likud because of it, yet some say she should be given the right to decide. The debate is raging in the Likud as some warn the Likud will take a big hit if this law passes and others say they have to make sure the law passes or the government might collapse because of it.

Minister Miri Regev said in an interview that MK Sharon Haskell must follow the Likud instructions on voting as she was elected on the Likud ticket and not in any form of direct elections. Her personal agenda on the matter is meaningless. Regarding the importance of the law itself, Regev said that she drives on shabbos and does other things, but she does not want Shabbos to be a day like any other. Regev added that in Europe Sunday is not a shopping day - you cannot go to Berlin, Paris or London and go to the store on Sunday to do your shopping.

Regev really should not compare, as the reason to not allow it in Israel should have nothing to do with whether or not stores are open in Europe on Sundays. As a matter of fact, she is wrong and in most of Europe many retail stores (especially minimarkets, gas station kiosks and supermarkets) are open at least part of the day on Sunday, if not all day, and shopping is done regularly. The reason to pass the law is because of the Jewish character of the State - nothing to do with Europe.

------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel

------------------------------------------------------