Ten local rabbis have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the Ramot Mall, while secular residents are demonstrating in support of it.
The Ramot Mall in Jerusalem continues to be the focus of a dispute between the neighborhood's secular and haredi (ultra-orthodox) communities. Ten local rabbis have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the mall, while secular residents are demonstrating in support of it.
The rabbis are protesting what they call a lack of sensitivity toward haredi feelings. The petition states that, before the mall was opened, a deal was reached between its owners and local haredi representatives, which "set out clear rules regarding modesty and other issues." They add that the mall owners have sought to stretch the understanding to the breaking point while continuing to enjoy patronage from local haredim, who are a majority of the neighborhood's population and are a captive clientele. The rabbis grant an exception to the boycott of the mall to use the pharmacy and bank there when there is no alternative, but on the condition that haredim leave immediately afterwards.
In response to a request by Ramot's secular residents, the Yerushalmim (Jerusalemites) party in the Jerusalem city council has decided to organize a demonstration of support at the Ramot Mall on Friday, and have called on residents from throughout the city to participate.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 12, 2013
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