Israir CEO Uri Sirkis was set to meet Wednesday evening with Haredi representatives amid calls to boycott the airline over its operations on Shabbat. Ahead of the meeting, Sirkis sent a letter to investors accusing figures in the aviation industry of trying to create “public noise and a commotion over nothing.”
The meeting was expected to take place with representatives of the Rabbinical Committee for the Sanctity of Shabbat, a body founded in 1998 that brings together senior rabbis from the Haredi community.
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Israir is not expected to cancel its flights on Saturdays
(Photo: Ronen Fefer/Shutterstock)
Its early members included Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and the Gerer rebbe. The committee’s former secretary is the current chairman of United Torah Judaism, Knesset member Yitzhak Goldknopf.
The committee is considered a central body in campaigns over Shabbat observance in the public sphere. Over the years, it has led campaigns and boycott threats against various companies and organizations, including Shefa Shuk, El Al and the Phoenicia glass factory in Yeruham. The committee argues that Jewish-owned companies may not operate flights on Shabbat, even if Ben Gurion Airport itself operates over the weekend and serves foreign airlines.
Israir operates flights on Shabbat using leased aircraft, but not company-owned planes. The Haredi community has threatened a boycott of the airline over the flights on Shabbat.
The company did not issue an official response, but sources familiar with the matter told ynet that it will continue its policy of operating leased aircraft on Shabbat.
“When a new player challenges the existing order, there are those who seek to gain achievements and attention by creating public noise, and a commotion over nothing,” Sirkis wrote in a message to investors ahead of the meeting.
“It is important that public discourse be conducted with respect, while avoiding exclusion, ostracism, or boycotts. As it is said: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“Israir will continue to act responsibly, thoughtfully and determinedly for the benefit of passengers, competition and the continued growth of the company.”