United Leader's Shabbat Broadcast Sparks Controversy
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The program begins airing before Shabbat ends, sparking criticism for a party that champions Shabbat observance. Asher's office claims the interview was filmed Friday and will air after Shabbat, but the matter will be re-examined.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- The program "Meet the Press" begins airing at 6:00 PM, before Shabbat officially ends at 6:36 PM.
- Critics argue Asher's participation legitimizes a program that airs during Shabbat, contradicting his party's values.
- Asher's office states the interview was filmed on Friday and will air after Shabbat, but the decision will be reviewed.
- The controversy arises shortly before the Knesset elections, impacting the party's public image.
The controversy stems from the program's broadcast time; "Meet the Press" begins airing at 6:00 PM, while Shabbat, according to Tel Aviv times, does not end until 6:36 PM. This means the program starts while Shabbat is still in progress, a time when observant Jews refrain from watching television. Asher's party is known for its strong stance on Shabbat observance, opposing public transportation on Shabbat and advocating for the preservation of religious status quo in Israel.
Sources close to Asher and Rabbi Dov Lando, the movement's spiritual leader, attempt to justify the decision by stating the interview was filmed on Friday and is scheduled to air only after Shabbat concludes. However, critics argue this explanation overlooks the fundamental issue: Asher's participation lends legitimacy to a program that airs during Shabbat, regardless of when his specific segment is broadcast. This public relations move, occurring just days before the Knesset elections, is seen by some as a contradiction to the core values of a party that champions Shabbat sanctity.
Asher's office stated that they were informed the panel interviews with party leaders would air at 7:00 PM, after Shabbat, and were filmed on Friday. They added that the matter would be re-examined. The decision has raised questions about the party's public image and its commitment to its foundational principles when seeking public trust.
