Zehut Chairman Moshe Feiglin Vows to Block Bill Banning Shabbat Public Transport

By דסק החדשות C14

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

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Hebrew · 3 newsrooms covering

Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin declared he would block legislation to ban public transportation on Shabbat, arguing against state coercion. He believes solutions for Shabbat observance should not be imposed and that Jewish identity is strengthened by individual choice and support for Torah institutions. Feiglin, who identifies with religious Zionist thought, advocates for less government intervention and more personal freedom.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Moshe Feiglin will block legislation banning public transport on Shabbat, opposing state coercion.
Feiglin believes Shabbat observance solutions should not be imposed from above.
He advocates for greater individual freedom in supporting Torah institutions.
Feiglin aims to strengthen Jewish identity through choice, not government control.
He identifies as a religious Zionist, adhering to Halakha and Rabbi Kook's vision.

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, announced he would block any legislative proposal seeking a blanket ban on public transportation on Shabbat. Speaking at the "Small World" conference, Feiglin stated that the state should not enforce the observance of Shabbat through absolute coercion from above. However, he also clarified that he does not support an immediate change to the current situation without providing suitable solutions for the public first.

Feiglin explained that the issue of public transportation in local authorities should be considered within a broader framework of the relationship between the state, Jewish identity, and individual freedom of choice. He emphasized that his positions are not intended to weaken Israel's Jewish identity, expressing a desire for more people to engage in Torah study and strengthen Jewish identity. He believes that enhancing Judaism in the country does not necessarily require expanding government control, advocating instead for greater citizen freedom in directing funds, including support for Torah institutions.

"We trust the people of Israel," Feiglin stated, expressing confidence that the public will choose to support Torah study and Jewish identity. He also described himself as a Jew, a "Mashiach" (messianic) Jew in the vein of David Ben-Gurion, and stated his adherence to Halakha (Jewish law), Torah, the teachings of the Land of Israel, and the vision of Rabbi Kook. Feiglin's overall stance advocates for reducing coercion and government mechanisms while strengthening the state's Jewish identity.