the Shabbos compromise that was too good to be true

Just last week, on Thursday, a compromise was reached on a road that had some fighting associated with it before it even opened up. The new road between [mostly secular] Ramat Sharet and [mostly Haredi] Bayit VeGan was set to open and was highly contested as the residents of Bayit VeGan wanted it closed on Shabbos while the residents of Ramat Sharet wanted it open on Shabbos.

Two city activists, councilmen, Yossi Deutsch (Haredi) and Yossi Havilio (secular) led the way to reaching a compromise before it actually became a real fight. The compromise was that the road would be left open on Shabbos but a large sign would be placed by the road asking drivers to be considerate of the sensitivities of others. It was expected that while some people would still drive on the road on Shabbos, some would not because of the decently-worded request.

The compromise was hailed as unprecedented. Dr Avishai Ben Chaim was effusive about this

Maybe some thought it was too good to be true.

And maybe it was.

According to Jerusalem reporter Shlomi Heller, the road was not all that quiet (from fighting) as some people put out cones in the road to disrupt traffic and prevent people form driving. Others report that the road was open (and they drove on it), so I assume just as some people blocked the road with obstacles, others removed them.

Havilio responded to the provocation saying that if any of the Haredim think the compromise is that the road will not be driven on over Shabbos - they can forget about it (fuggedaboutit!). From his perspective, he says, the compromise is that some will drive and some will not. If a criminal is out putting obstacles in the road, they'll do what is necessary to prevent it, place cameras on the road and if necessary send municipal supervisors.

The Messianic Days of the Ramat Sharet road are not here quite yet.. At least during the days of the week until Shabbos the compromise is being upheld and is praiseworthy. We have to start somewhere!

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