Rav Yaakov Ariel, former rov of Ramat Gan and head of the Hutam organization, expressed his unequivocal backing for the choice to refrain from operating the Tel Aviv light rail on Shabbos.
Rav Ariel articulated, “On Shabbos, there is no school, no work, no commerce… There is no need for a train on Shabbos.”
This sentiment was shared in a joint declaration presented by the Hutam organization, aligning themselves with Minister of Transportation Miri Regev (Likud), who upheld this resolution.
Amidst ongoing advocacy from left-leaning groups urging the government to reverse its stance and permit the light rail’s operation on Shabbos, the Hutam organization’s petition made its stance clear. The petition denounces the recent efforts by left-wing activist groups, asserting that their aim is to undermine the inauguration of the light rail and compromise the sanctity of Shabbos.
The organization unequivocally declares its solidarity with Minister of Transportation Regev, endorsing her affirmation that Israel stands as a nation rooted in Judaism. They join the wider public in celebrating the introduction of the new transportation system while concurrently safeguarding the sanctity of Shabbos.
The petition of the Hutam organization states: “A campaign by left-wing protest organizations has been taking place for the past few days in an attempt to disturb the opening of the light rail and harm the sanctity of Shabbos.

“We all support the Minister of Transportation, who stated that the State of Israel is a Jewish state, and join in with the public in rejoicing in the opening of the new method of transportation while preserving the sanctity of Shabbos…

 
“…This is an important milestone in the development of the State of Israel as a prosperous Jewish state. We all welcome the observance of the Shabbos in the State of Israel as a Jewish state, which benefits the welfare of the railway workers and residents of the State of Israel.”
{Matzav.com Israel}