Amidst the ongoing protest against the current Netanyahu-led government, major restaurateurs in Israel have decided to take a bold stand by opening their restaurants on the night of the Tisha Ba’av fast, despite the existing laws that prohibit such actions in the Jewish State. The 1997 law, known as 'Prohibiting the Opening of Entertainment Houses on Tisha Ba’av', along with the subsequent 2002 amendment, mandates the closure of restaurants, bars, and other establishments defined as restaurants on the eve of this solemn day, considered to be the "saddest day on the Jewish calendar" when the destruction of the Temples and the subsequent exiles that occurred afterward is mourned.
A significant group of leading restauranteurs, including well-known Israeli celebrity chefs such as Haim Cohen, Ruthi Brodu, and Yuval Ben Naria, publicly announced their intention not to comply with the regulation and continue their business operations as usual on Tisha Ba’av. This surprising and politically charged announcement marks a departure from previous years when some restaurants in Tel Aviv and other cities remained open on this day but did not declare their actions so overtly. Local authorities often overlooked these infractions, particularly in Tel Aviv, where the majority of residents are secular Jews.
The funniest and most cynical protest against judicial reform yet: Celebrity chefs are opening their (non-kosher) restaurants on Tisha B’Av. Earning more money on a day most secular people don’t observe anyway is a huuuuge sacrifice for the cause. https://t.co/Tw80DD3fOd
— Lahav Harkov (@LahavHarkov) July 25, 2023
Chef Yuval Ben Naria passionately defended the decision to keep the restaurants open, stating: "I had no hesitation; we are open all year round, celebrating the freedom of working. So, tomorrow evening, we will open the restaurants as planned. In light of the events of the last few days, I feel it is my moral duty to remain loyal to the public, who, for 30 weeks, has been fighting ferociously at the Kaplan intersection, right in front of my restaurant, for the character of the country and our right to live in a democratic and liberal state."
In contrast to Ben Naria's strong stance, Chef Haim Cohen refrained from calling it a protest and explained: "We are opening tomorrow evening not to provoke or upset anyone. I don't think there is a protest here. The restaurants have been suffering for the past six months, experiencing a 35% decrease in business on average. Many cafes are already closing or changing ownership, and that's the real reason behind this decision."
Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv, Haim Goren, was among the first to respond to the restaurateurs' actions, expressing his dismay: "Have we learned nothing?! Tisha Ba’av is a day of national mourning for the people of Israel, a tradition that has been upheld by generations. Anyone who undermines it is disrespecting the memory of their grandparents and all the previous generations who endured such difficult events on this day."
Given the striking parallels between Israel’s current internal rift and the infighting that caused the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, why would the Israeli Government proceed with its Judicial Reform bill on the eve of Tisha B’Av? Very bad timing.
— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) July 23, 2023
Goren further criticized the decision, urging the entire public, including participants in the ongoing protests, not to cooperate with what he perceives as a "humiliating act." He emphasized that this act not only violates the law but also fuels unnecessary hatred and threatens national solidarity, which he sees as the last common denominator that can hold the country together. He warned against actions that could lead to destruction and urged for unity and respect for tradition and the law.
Shai Goldin to the restaurants in Tel-Aviv, which decided to open on the night of 9-be-Av (when the Jews mourn the destruction of 1st & 2nd Jerusalem Temples):
— Avraham Goldstein (@AvrahamGoldste3) July 26, 2023
You are not revenging to religious Jews, nor to our 14th Channel, nor to Ben-Gvir. You are spitting at your ancestors. https://t.co/Z2oLeVyeez
The decision by the restaurateurs to open their establishments on Tisha Ba’av has sparked debate and highlighted the complex intersections between politics, business, tradition, and law. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for all parties involved to approach the matter with sensitivity, understanding, and a commitment to upholding the values that underpin Israeli society.
