Intel Yerushalayim Plant to Remain Open On Shabbos Despite Chillul Shabbos Protests

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intelAfter demonstrators protested opposite the Intel offices in Yerushalayim yesterday, Trade Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer today said that such protests would not be tolerated by the government. “Whoever thinks that violence will solve the problem, and whoever thinks that the government will accept violence and vandalism is wrong,” said Ben-Eliezer at a ceremony marking the opening of a new Intel site in Yerushalayim.

“I understand that there are populations who have certain customs and demands and I respect that, but everything can be straightened out in a pleasant way and with mutual respect,” the minister continued.

Yerushalayim Mayor Nir Barkat also came out in support of Intel today, encouraging it to continue its work in the city. “I denounce violent acts that achieve nothing, and I hope the two sides can reach an agreement,” said Barkat.

Intel said it would overcome “all the obstacles” in order to continue manufacturing its product in the best way possible, Maxine Fassberg, the company’s general manager in Israel, said. Fassberg added that Intel is grateful for the support expressed by the mayor and minister.

Intel today said it had no plans to close the controversial plant in Yerushalayim on Shabbos, despite the chillul Shabbos and its violation of the Shabbos Rest law.

Intel spokesman Kobi Bachar said the factory has operated on Shabbos for more than 20 years and it will continue to do so.

“Nothing has changed. We have been open there for 24 years in accordance with the law,” Bachar said.

About 1,500 protesters demonstrated yesterday.

Some protesters were hurt after security personnel sprayed pepper spray in their faces.

{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel/Haaretz}


4 COMMENTS

  1. chillul Shabbos protests is right.

    Opening the factory on Shabbos is wrong, but the real chillul shabbos are the protests where rocks get thrown (is there a heter for this on Shabbos), windows are broken, and violence ensues.

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