Based on directives from Maran HaRav Eliashiv shlita,
special software has been installed to allow surveillance
cameras in the Jerusalem's Old City and at the Kosel Maarovi
to operate without causing chilul Shabbos.
In recent years the police installed a video surveillance
system in the Old City and along the access routes to the
Kosel Maarovi to prevent criminal and terrorist activity in
the area. Called Mabat 2000, this system has proven itself
able to foil security breaches, locate obstacles and reduce
crime throughout the area.
Several poskim originally addressed the issue, writing
to HaRav Shmuel Rabinovitz, the rov of the Kosel Maarovi,
that the new system eliminates all concerns of chilul
Shabbos. But when HaRav Eliashiv was consulted he said
that the software should be altered slightly. With the help
of the Old City Police and the Jerusalem District Police as
well as Commander Arik Yekuel, head of the police planning
department and an observant Jew, the Western Wall Heritage
Foundation installed suitable software and altered the
oversight guidelines.
HaRav Yosef Efrati then contacted HaRav Rabinovitz to convey
HaRav Eliashiv's opinion that walking to the Kosel on Shabbos
and Yom Tov is now permitted and to extend Maran's gratitude
to all who assisted in rectifying the matter, particularly
the police and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
