Zehut Chairman Feiglin Defends Stance on Shabbat Public Transport
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin strongly refuted claims that he supports public transportation on Shabbat, attributing the controversy to a distorted spin on his words. He reiterated his belief that state institutions should close on Shabbat to preserve Jewish identity. Feiglin explained his controversial answer regarding a hypothetical ban on public transport was a response to a theoretical question, arguing that forced religious laws are counterproductive and harm Shabbat observance. He stressed his commitment to voluntary connection with Jewish identity and rejecting coercive legislation.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Zehut Chairman Moshe Feiglin denied accusations of supporting public transport on Shabbat.
- His controversial remarks stemmed from a hypothetical question about a total ban.
- He argued that forced religious laws are counterproductive and incite conflict.
- Feiglin advocates for voluntary connection to Jewish identity over coercion.
Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, has issued a strong response to criticism following an interview where he outlined his vision for Israel's Jewish identity. Feiglin vehemently denied accusations that he supports public transportation on Shabbat, stating that a "false and ugly spin" is being spread by distorting his words.
Feiglin explained that his controversial remarks about potentially supporting a ban on public transportation on Shabbat stemmed from a hypothetical question asked at the end of the interview. He answered "yes" to the theoretical question about a comprehensive ban, not because he advocates for such a law, but because he is weary of "political provocation laws" that he believes incite internal conflict. He argued that such laws, like the controversial supermarket law, do not effectively preserve Shabbat but rather lead to division, hatred of religious observance, and ultimately harm its sanctity.
He asserted that Judaism is based on free choice, not coercion, and that decades of forced religious laws have failed to strengthen Jewish identity or observance. Instead, he contended, these laws have led to destructive Supreme Court rulings and the current situation where weekend public transport operates freely in the Gush Dan area, funded by taxpayers.
Feiglin emphasized his commitment to dialogue and voluntary connection to Jewish identity, rejecting populist tactics and "fake headlines." He and the Zehut party will not cooperate with what he deems "populist, useless laws" that harm Shabbat under the guise of protecting it, nor will they allow any damage to Israel's Jewish identity. The party's platform advocates for returning community management and local issues to the residents themselves, while uncompromisingly upholding the state's Jewish character.
