Rivlin says the decision on whether to operate public transportation on Shabbat should be made by local authorities, not the government.
“I am not asking to solve the things that cannot be solved, just asking to ponder whether the time has come to move the debate about religion and state to the regional and community level. Maybe, just maybe, we can reach a compromise that is better for all sides,” says the president at an international forum on secularism, Ynet reports.
“It is clear that when public transport on Shabbat is a question on the national level, we are being dragged into a zero-sum game between ‘the State of Tel Aviv’ and ‘the State of Bnei Brak,” the president says, referring to two central cities known for their secularism and orthodoxy, respectively.
“We all understand that these two important cities in Israel can have excellent neighborly relations if we would only grant them a mandate to make the decisions that are right for them, away from the spotlight, spin and political constraints,” he adds.
Responsibly covering this tumultuous time
As The Times of Israel’s political correspondent, I spend my days in the Knesset trenches, speaking with politicians and advisers to understand their plans, goals and motivations.
I'm proud of our coverage of this government's plans to overhaul the judiciary, including the political and social discontent that underpins the proposed changes and the intense public backlash against the shakeup.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers across the world properly informed during this tumultuous time. Have you appreciated our coverage in past months? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
~ Carrie Keller-Lynn, Political Correspondent
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this