Netanya Circus Performer Fined for Street Stunts Criticizes Treatment as Criminal
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Netanya circus performer Elroi Netach Morag was fined 730 shekels for performing stunts at a pedestrian crossing, which city inspectors said endangered public safety. Morag criticized the fine, explaining his performances are a professional art form and a source of income. The municipality defended the fine as necessary for pedestrian safety.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanya fined circus artist Elroi Netach Morag 730 shekels for street stunts disrupting pedestrian safety.
- Morag expressed frustration, stating his performances are professional art done nationwide without prior fines.
- He earns up to 1,300 shekels daily from these performances, highlighting their economic importance.
- Morag criticized the fine's claim of endangering pedestrians with falling balls, which he denies.
- Netanya municipality said the fine was issued to maintain safe pedestrian and driver passage at an intersection.
Elroi Netach Morag, a circus artist known for performing stunts at traffic lights, received a hefty municipal fine of 730 shekels from Netanya city inspectors. The fine was issued due to his street performances, which the city said disrupted pedestrian traffic and posed safety concerns. During the encounter, a city inspector explained the reason for the fine, emphasizing that performing stunts in pedestrian crossings is prohibited because it interferes with pedestrian movement.
Morag expressed shock and frustration at the enforcement, stating that his profession is practiced worldwide and that he has performed across Israel without prior fines. In an interview on the "HaOlam HaBoker" program, he revealed the professional culture behind traffic light performances, describing them as complex art rather than nuisances or begging. He also discussed the financial aspect, noting that on good days he earns between 1,200 and 1,300 shekels from his shows.
Morag highlighted the absurdity of the fine's wording, which accused him of endangering pedestrians with falling balls, although he only performed handstands on a ladder without any balls. The Netanya municipality responded that during routine inspections, an individual with a ladder was found obstructing safe passage for pedestrians and drivers at an intersection. The fine was issued to uphold public safety and ensure free and safe passage in the area.