In a special meeting on Sunday, the Vaadas HaRabbonim Lema'an
Kedushas HaShabbos determined that protest demonstrations
against breaches in the walls protecting Shabbos may be held
only after receiving directives and guidance from maranan
verabonon, who will consider the potential benefits to
the overall campaign.
The meeting followed demonstrations not initiated by
gedolei Yisroel on Jerusalem's Bar Ilan Street during
the last several Shabbosos, leading to provocations that are
liable to thwart positive moves toward preventing Shabbos
desecration in the area. Appearing before the committee,
Mayor Rabbi Uri Lupoliansky described the scenes that took
place, saying that a quiet campaign was being waged to have
the street officially closed on Shabbos but that the
provocations seriously impeded the progress that had been
made and could frustrate steps in the right direction.
Rabbonim and morei horo'oh issued a public call to
parents and educators to keep children from gathering in the
area and from engaging in unseemly and prohibited acts, such
as stone throwing.
A dignified delegation of Bar Ilan area residents told the
Vaad about the difficult state of affairs in the neighborhood
and about the irresponsible demonstrations. They noted these
demonstrations result in gatherings unbecoming a Torah-based
neighborhood.
The Vaad determined that unapproved demonstrations can cause
more harm than good and urged parents and educators to
prevent children from participating in protests gedolei
Yisroel object to. During the meeting the Vaad evaluated
possible moves that could prevent Shabbos desecration in the
area.
MKs Rabbi Yaakov Litzman (UTJ) and Rabbi Shlomo Benizri
(Shas) reported that during a meeting of the Knesset Interior
Committee to address demonstrations on Bar Ilan Street, they
heard reports of provocations by Shinui and Meretz activists
last Shabbos.
Police Commander Chagai Dotan confirmed the remarks, saying
that violence erupted when Meretz supporters in inappropriate
attire and holding lit cigarettes approached groups of
chareidim. MK Roni Brizon (Shinui) said on Bar Ilan Street
there are riots, not demonstrations. "If this business does
not stop, blood will be spilled there," he threatened.
Rabbi Litzman stressed that the rabbonim object to the
demonstrations and riots on Bar Ilan Street and are working
to prevent them. He also called on Meretz and Shinui members
to go back to Tel Aviv rather than interfering in matters
affecting Jerusalem's chareidi sector.
Rabbi Benizri said "a number of hooligans have organized" to
agitate in the streets and they may have been joined by other
figures seeking to cause damage to the newly elected Mayor.
Deputy Mayor Yigal Amedi (Likud) called on politicians to act
to restore peace to the area. A police spokesman said
disturbances on Bar Ilan Street were reduced this past
Shabbos, stressing that the chareidi public unanimously
opposes the demonstrations.
