Minister Amichai Eliyahu announced today (Tuesday) that the "Shabbat Yisraeli" initiative will continue and will even be called "Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli" (Israeli Friday Shabbat). In a statement issued by the minister's office, it was stated: "Following a professional and in-depth examination of the "Israeli Shabbat" project, it has been decided that the initiative will continue and will also expand with the opening of additional sites on Fridays, in order to allow more audiences to enjoy the heritage sites. Henceforth, its new name will be 'Israeli Friday Shabbat,'" the minister said. According to him, "A professional team will be established to adapt the heritage sites in a way that respects the sanctity of Shabbat."
As recalled, last April, the Minister decided to stop funding the "Israeli Shabbat" project, which leaves the heritage sites open on Shabbat. At the time, the Ministry of Heritage claimed that it was on a budget that had ended.
"Shishi Masorati" ("Traditional Friday") project
Minister Eliyahu then reasoned: "I have a new project that I want to promote - 'Traditional Friday'. The goal is to bring Jews together to come to the synagogue for Shabbat prayer, a project more important than Israeli Shabbat." He also added: "Friends, I am sorry to disappoint you, but I never announced the closure of the Israeli Shabbat project. When I was asked about it, I answered that I have no problem with it continuing, but at the moment there is no budget until the state budget is approved. Regardless of that, I was asked what types of programs I am interested in promoting, And I told, for example, about a traditional Friday and bringing students to heritage sites. Not instead of and not at the expense. Keep spreading hate..."
