Minister of Tourism Binyamin (Benny) Elon predicted that hundreds of thousands of haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) would boycott El Al if it flies on the Sabbath.
Minister of Tourism Binyamin (Benny) Elon opposes casinos in Israel in principle, “mainly because of their likely negative consequences.” In an interview to the tourism weekly “Tourist Guide”, Elon said he had informed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the heads of Mifal Hapayis - Israel National Lottery of his opposition, when they consulted with him on the issue.
Elon added that if Mifay Hapayis becomes responsible for operating the casino, and presents him with a plan for avoiding its negative and undesirable effects, he will reconsider his position.
Elon also said that he had opposed the privatization of El Al in cabinet meetings, although he now welcomes it.
Elon further stated, “I oppose Minister of Transport Avigdor Lieberman’s decision to authorize El Al to fly on the Sabbath. If El Al does so, it will lose all its haredi (ultra-Orthodox) customers. I can’t prevent El Al from flying on the Sabbath, but as a believing Jew, I won’t be able to use the airline; I’ll use foreign airlines. I believe that tens of thousands of people, and perhaps hundreds of thousands, will do the same.”
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 25, 2003