The Gush Dan light rail has been much anticipated despite the controversy

The Tel Aviv Light Rail: Celebrations, Controversies & A Cultural Debate

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The Judean Staff
National

On Thursday, the heart of central Israel, the Gush Dan region, bustled with anticipation and festivity. This area, encompassing the dynamic city of Tel Aviv and its neighboring cities including Ramat Gan, Holon, Bat Yam, and Petach Tikva, marked a significant milestone. With Prime Minister Netanyahu in attendance, the Gush Dan light rail was officially inaugurated, and the much-anticipated Red Line embarked on its maiden commercial voyage early Friday morning. Departing promptly at 05:40 AM, the first trains traveled from Kiryat Aryeh station in Petach Tikva and Kommiam station in Bat Yam. Nonetheless, respecting the Sabbath's sanctity, the operations will pause three hours before sundown every Friday and resume on Saturday evening.

The Bat Yam station exuded a vibe of joy and excitement. The very first passenger, Koti Elazar, a 70-year-old Tel Aviv resident, received a certificate to honor his journey. "I specially traveled from Tel Baruch for this inaugural trip. I had been looking forward to it all week," Elazar shared. Echoing this enthusiasm, Bat Yam's Mayor, Zvika Brot, boarded the inaugural train and conveyed the community's long-held anticipation. "This rail line realization has been long-awaited. Our residents have endured and supported its construction for years, and today we see the rewarding outcome," Brot said. He also highlighted the rail's potential to revolutionize Bat Yam's business and tourism sectors, seeing it as a significant step forward for the city.

For those intending to use the service, it's crucial to note that every Friday, operations will halt three hours before the Sabbath and will restart around 21:30 post Sabbath. As a celebratory gesture, Friday's rides were free. However, fares, starting from Saturday evening, range from five and a half shekels for shorter routes to twelve shekels for a complete journey.

But not all responses were in jubilation. Discontent brews among those opposing the rail's non-operational status during the Sabbath. These groups are planning various protest activities, with some even suggesting blocking train routes. Protests started early in the morning and escalated by afternoon, with a convoy setting out from Petach Tikva's central station at 1:00 PM. Later, at 2:00 PM, protesters gathered at pivotal stations, such as Beilinson, Bialik, Arlozorov, Yehudit, Karlibach, and Allenby.

In a preemptive statement, the protest leaders suggested passengers opt for Halacha and Iran stations. Their agenda is unmistakable: "The light rail, in its present configuration, exerts religious pressure on a broad liberal populace who serve in our military and dutifully pay taxes. We're rallying Israelis next Friday to counter this undue religious influence on the light rail."

The cultural backdrop is essential. Tel Aviv, primarily secular, contrasts with other Israeli regions. While its restaurants, clubs, and shops remain open on Sabbath, public transportation halts, even though private shuttles operate. The light rail's Sabbath operation sparks debate, especially concerning areas like ultra-orthodox B'nei B'rak. Currently, there's no plan to yield to the protesters. However, Ron Huldai, the Tel Aviv mayor absent from the rail launch due to the contention, hinted at ongoing discussions for limited Sabbath service, though its realization remains uncertain.

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