Contrary to the municipality's denials: the violation of the status quo is exposed

The Jerusalem Municipality denied holding events on Shabbat, but publications reveal Shabbat events promoted by Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio, including a family festival in the Refaim Stream Park in cooperation with the municipality. The gap between the official statement and the publications raises questions about maintaining the status quo.

The Jerusalem Municipality stated in an official response that it maintains the status quo and does not hold events on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, but publications from recent months reveal municipal activity allegedly contradicting this statement. At the center of the matter is Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio, who promotes Shabbat events across the city together with his faction. For example, a publication from November 12 on the "Kol Ha'ir" website presented a family festival in the Refaim Stream Park on Shabbat, November 14, in cooperation with the Jewish National Fund, the Jerusalem Municipality, and the Yerushalmi Union faction, which included performances, children's shows, and creative workshops free of charge. Another publication from November 5 presented additional Shabbat activities, including film screenings at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and shows at the Train Theater. The article notes that sometimes the logo of the community administration appears instead of the municipality's, but the administration receives municipal funding. Additionally, in June, the municipal support committee approved budgets for organizations that operate on Shabbat, which drew criticism from Deputy Mayor Aryeh King. The municipality's response remained unchanged even after requests for clarifications regarding budgets and support. The extent of municipal funding for these events has not yet been clarified.