TEL AVIV - Shas Party Chairman Eli Yishai attacked the 17th Maccabiah management for desecrating Shabbat by requiring personnel to work on Saturday to prepare for the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony. He said their actions were a "disgrace" that crossed red lines.
Yishai said a worker told him he and his friends had to start preparing for Saturday night's dress rehearsal before the end of Shabbat. The worker refused to reveal his identity out of fear they would lose their jobs.
He called for everyone who considers Shabbat a holy day, including public personalities, to boycott the ceremony.
Trampling Shabbat
In response, Yishai sent angry messages to the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports Limor Livnat, and to the management of the Maccabi World Union.
"There is no limit to their chutzpah," Yishai said. "We are talking about an event that brings Jews from all over the world just because they are Jews, and then the organizing committee comes and tramples over the symbol of the Jewish people, the Shabbat."
The Maccabiah spokespeople responded by saying they did not break any rules.
"The preparations for the opening ceremony and the costume rehearsal were done early," they said in a statement. "The costume rehearsal was postponed until 21:30 (9:30 p.m.) to avoid a conflict with Shabbat, and the games will end on Friday and will continue on Sunday for the same purpose.
"We would be happy to see Yishai among the Knesset Members and government ministers that will partake in this international event."
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