Aliza Lavie: “A historic correction that recognizes that Shabbat belongs to everyone.”
Final Approval: Even non-religious people in Israel can choose not to work on Shabbat. On its third reading, the Knesset approved (by a major of 57 in favor and none in opposition) the bill by MK Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid), Miki Zohar and others, mandating that each person will be entitled to refuse to work on the Sabbath, regardless of his / her religious belief.
On Monday, the Knesset finally passed the Shabbat Bill. The Shabbat Bill, the brainchild of MK Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid), Miki Zohar and others, allows for every person, regardless of their religious outlook or level of practice, to refuse to work on Shabbat.
Previously, the Hours of Work and Rest Law stated that a person who fulfills his / her religious precepts may refuse to work on the Sabbath. This process was subject to the submission of an affidavit attesting to the observation of his religion. The amendment to the law will also allow a non-religious worker to refuse to work on the day of rest prescribed for him, without introducing an affidavit and without risking dismissal or discrimination at work.
However, the bill also added a clause prohibiting the ministerial committee to exclude certain places of work from the law’s mandate under unique circumstances or if the committee believes that the application of this section is liable to cause significant harm to the place of work.
MK Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid) stated: “This is a historical amendment that recognizes that the Sabbath belongs to everyone – secular, religious and traditional alike – and that there is no reason to distinguish between those who are meticulous in observing the commands and those what is Jewish and democratic state, that does not discriminate between people based on their religious outlook, is predicated on balanced law. give the worker freedom of choice and the privilege to refrain from lying about his / her customs as a means to rest on Shabbat. I am pleased that other Knesset members from all factions of the parliament, secular and religious, are united with regards to this addition. “
MK Miki Zohar (Likud): “The law is meant to protect vulnerable workers who receive a global wage and are blocked from resting on the Sabbath. These workers come to work on the Sabbath by necessity, not voluntarily. work may work and anyone who does not want to work may remain at home. There is no danger of closing factories – anyone who claims this is misleading the public. In exceptional cases there is a special committee in the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for address unique circumstances. “
Click here to view coverage by The Times of Israel