Feiglin Clarifies Stance on Shabbat Public Transport After Controversy
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin clarified his position on public transportation operating on Shabbat after facing backlash. He stated that while state institutions must observe Shabbat, local communities should have autonomy over transportation in their areas. Feiglin argued against coercive religious laws, emphasizing choice and mutual respect.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moshe Feiglin will vote against a bill to ban public transport on Shabbat.
- Feiglin distinguishes between state institutions and local communities on Shabbat observance.
- He believes state institutions must uphold Jewish character and Shabbat.
- Feiglin opposes coercive religious laws, favoring choice and community autonomy.
- His party claims this clarifies a strategy for Israel's Jewish identity.
Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, issued a clarification on Sunday regarding his statements on observing Shabbat and operating public transportation, which had sparked public controversy. Feiglin sought to distinguish between the state's public sphere, which he believes must observe Shabbat, and the local sphere, where residents should decide on transportation matters.
The controversy began when Feiglin declared at the "Olam Katan" conference that he would vote to bring down a bill that would broadly prohibit public transportation on Shabbat. He argued that the state should not enforce Shabbat observance through coercion, but rather allow local communities to make decisions relevant to their areas.
Following criticism, Feiglin's party stated that he presented a "comprehensive strategic outline for establishing the Jewish identity of the State of Israel." According to this outline, sovereign state institutions, such as Ben Gurion Airport and the Public Broadcasting Corporation, must maintain a Jewish character and respect Shabbat as the national day of rest.
Feiglin reiterated his opposition to sweeping legislation on religion and state matters, stating, "For thirty years, barren coercion laws have not brought anyone closer to Shabbat, but the opposite: they have ignited unnecessary disputes and led to legal rulings that harmed tradition." He added, "Shabbat and Judaism are based on choice, connection, and mutual respect, not on political populism."
His party maintained that this was not a retreat from commitment to the state's Jewish identity, but an effort to separate Shabbat observance in state institutions from granting autonomy to local communities. Zehut pledged to lead "uncompromising observance of the state's unique Jewish identity" while reducing coercive laws.
