Elad Residents Protest Alleged Shabbat Work at Inflatable Park Site, City Denies Claims

Tensions rose in the city of Elad after dozens of residents claimed that construction work took place on Shabbat to set up a new inflatable water park in the community center parking lot on Rabbi Chiya Street. According to eyewitnesses, a commercial vehicle and trailer arrived after afternoon prayers to unload equipment intended for the park's installation. Residents alleged that alongside unloading, preparatory work was also conducted, prompting some to demand an immediate halt to the activity, which they say continued despite their protests.

In response, the Elad municipality issued a statement on Saturday night confirming that a vehicle did enter the parking lot to unload equipment but firmly denied that any construction or work was carried out during Shabbat. The city said its municipal patrol was called to the scene and removed the vehicle. Following an investigation, the security guard who authorized the vehicle's entry was dismissed immediately, and the security company was summoned for a hearing. The park operator, described as an observant Jew, also terminated its contract with the party involved in the incident.

The municipality clarified that the guard's dismissal was due solely to permitting the vehicle's entry on Shabbat, not because of any actual work being done. It emphasized the importance of preserving Shabbat sanctity as a core value and stated that the equipment placed at the site would be removed and not used during the park's operation. The city pledged to act decisively and responsibly to prevent similar incidents in the future and to maintain the city's character and Shabbat observance.