Costing millions of shekels: How the Tel Aviv municipality is eroding the sanctity of the Sabbath

The Tel Aviv–Jaffa municipality's 2026 budget allocates 28.98 million shekels for operating the 'Na'im BaSofash' transportation network, which runs on Saturdays. After deducting contributions from other authorities, the net cost to the municipality stands at about 21.985 million shekels. The article presents the project as a controversial issue concerning the Jewish character of the Sabbath.

The Tel Aviv–Jaffa municipality's 2026 budget includes an allocation of nearly 29 million shekels for operating the 'Na'im BaSofash' transportation network, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays. After deducting contributions from other authorities, the net cost to the municipality stands at about 22 million shekels. The article presents the project as a controversial issue concerning the Jewish character of the Sabbath in the public sphere. Shai Glick, CEO of B'Tzalmo, stated that the project harms Sabbath-observant and traditional Jews and constitutes a violation of the status quo. The municipality's response condemned the attempt to portray it as alienating its Jewish identity, emphasizing its significant investment in Jewish heritage and culture. The article does not include the voice of residents who use the service or data on the extent of usage.