MK Elazar Stern of Yesh Atid strongly criticized the opening of the new shopping center “Big Fashion Glilot,” stating that he will avoid the venue as long as it remains open for business on Shabbos.
Stern made it clear that he does not wish for the venture to succeed. “I do not wish them success. As long as commerce is open there on Shabbos, I will not set foot there,” he stated in a post.
Stern highlighted the importance of Shabbos to the majority of Israelis, describing it as a cornerstone of national identity. “Shabbos in the State of Israel has a special character for a vast majority of the population, Shabbos brings a social worldview and it might be the greatest message that the Jewish people have brought to the world,” he emphasized.
While Stern acknowledged that he supports the Tel Aviv municipality’s decision to permit supermarkets to operate on Shabbos, he pointed out the clear distinction between a local grocery store and a massive shopping mall. “There is an important and substantial difference between a neighborhood supermarket that serves residents who are ‘stuck’ in a certain shortage and a huge shopping center whose goal is to rake in profits even at the expense of employees who will be forced to give up their day of rest,” Stern explained.
In his further remarks, Stern referenced the late Professor Ruth Gavison, a key figure in the Israeli civil rights discourse, who co-authored the “Treatise.” Stern quoted Gavison’s stance against Shabbos commerce, recalling her words: “She clarified years ago that there is no justification for opening commerce on Shabbos, and said: ‘I am secular, but I do not want a Shabbos of shopping and errands. I want a Shabbos of culture.'”
Stern also made it clear that he has no issue with the operation of cultural and recreational venues on Shabbos, explaining his support for activities such as cafes, restaurants, and entertainment. “I supported and I support the opening of cafes, restaurants, theaters, movies, and cultural performances on Shabbos. Anyone wishing to drink coffee on Shabbos or go to a restaurant is likely to do so on weekdays as well, so there will be both those who open on Shabbos and those who do not. But someone who buys shoes on Shabbos will not buy them again on a weekday,” he noted.
He ended his remarks by urging the shopping center’s management to reverse their decision. “Therefore I call on the operators of the mall to retract their decision to open on Shabbos. Until then, I will not shop there and I assume many others will not either. Shabbos is important even to those who travel or go to the movies. It is the first and most successful Jewish startup to this day.”
{Matzav.com Israel}