Israeli Public Divided Over Uniform Business Closures on Tisha B'Av

A recent survey by the Tzohar organization, published on the Mishav channel, reveals a deep division in Israeli society regarding whether businesses should be uniformly closed on Tisha B'Av, a national day of mourning. Currently, Israeli law prohibits entertainment venues and restaurants from operating on the evenings of Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day nationwide. However, on Tisha B'Av, the decision is left to local authorities, resulting in varied practices across the country.

The survey shows that nearly half of Israelis (49.6%) support a unified national law mandating business closures on Tisha B'Av, similar to other national memorial days. Meanwhile, 35.6% believe local municipalities should retain full discretion over closures, not only on Tisha B'Av but also on Holocaust Remembrance and Memorial Days. A smaller group (14.8%) favors completely abolishing such closure laws.

Rabbi Asher Sabag, a member of Tzohar's rabbinical leadership, commented on the complexity of the issue. He emphasized that Tisha B'Av is fundamentally a national, not religious, day of mourning, reflecting Israel's historical experience and the desire to build a sustainable state. Sabag advocated for change to come organically from the public rather than through legal compulsion.

The 1997 law banning entertainment venues from opening on Tisha B'Av evening until the following morning defines these venues broadly, including theaters, cinemas, clubs, and event halls. It also empowers local authorities to extend restrictions to restaurants, cafes, kiosks, and snack bars during the fast night. In practice, most shops, supermarkets, and malls close only from 7 p.m. on the fast eve and reopen the next morning. Due to local variations, residents are advised to check their municipality's official guidelines to avoid issues.