The Tisch Family's Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, will remain open on Shabbat – despite ostensible haredi demands to close it.
Jerusalem Zoo To Remain Open On Shabbat, Despite Haredi Rabbis’ Pressure (Or Lack Thereof)
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
The Tisch Family's Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, will remain open on Shabbat despite haredi demands to close it, Ha’aretz reported.
According to multiple reports, the haredi Rabbis' Committee for Shabbat recently strongly pressured the City of Jerusalem to close the zoo every Shabbat,and early reports were that the zoo and the city would give in to the rabbis’ demand. But that apparently is not the case.
"There is no such plan on the agenda. The zoo will stay open on Shabbat as it has until now," the city told Ha’aretz.
The zoo even claimed it had never received the rabbis’ purported demand or request from the religious authorities.
"Nobody ever asked us to close down. We will continue to host everybody – religious and secular, Jews and Arabs. We are an island of peace,” a zoo spokesperson reportedly said.