Rabbonim in Bnei Brak are calling on residents to participate in a large demonstration this coming Shabbos against a business operating in the city on Shabbos, warning that the situation represents a serious threat to the longstanding character of the overwhelmingly religious city.
The city’s rabbonim and community rabbonim described the opening of the business as “a serious breach in the walls of the city, the likes of which has not occurred in decades.”
According to a notice distributed to residents, efforts were initially made to resolve the matter through legal channels and by approaching the relevant authorities. After those attempts failed to bring about the closure of the business on Shabbos, organizers decided to proceed with a public demonstration.
The protest is scheduled to take place late Shabbos afternoon, shortly before Shabbos ends. Residents have been encouraged to daven at earlier minyanim and then make their way to the demonstration at approximately 7 p.m.
At the same time, Gerrer Chassidim are making arrangements for organized transportation from Bnei Brak to Yerushalayim following the demonstration. The buses will bring participants to the Gerrer beis medrash for the first Selichos.
The rabbonim are urging residents to join the demonstration in an effort to prevent the business from continuing to operate on Shabbos, describing the campaign as a battle to preserve both the religious character of Bnei Brak and the sanctity of Shabbos.
An audio announcement circulated throughout the city stated: “Important announcement in light of the call of the city’s rabbonim. Since recently there has been a serious breach in the walls of Shemiras Shabbos in our city of Bnei Brak, the likes of which has not occurred in decades, with the opening of a business in the city, and after attempts were made through all legal avenues and all relevant possibilities, to no avail, and the business continues in its defiance, there is great concern that additional businesses will open throughout the area. This must not happen.
“Therefore, with Hashem’s help, the city’s residents who are chareidim lidvar Hashem will go out this holy Shabbos, Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, toward sunset, shortly before the conclusion of Shabbos, to the location in question, to protest in the way of the Torah for the honor of the holy Shabbos that is being trampled publicly. We ask members of our community who are able, particularly the younger avreichim, to come and participate.”
