Over 20 owners of grocery stores in Tel Aviv have turned to the High Court of Justice in the beginning of the week seeking an order to compel the closure of Tiv Taam and AM:PM convenience stores to shut on Shabbos. The grocers are appealing the ruling of the Tel Aviv District Court from about a month ago, which permits the stores to operate on Shabbos.

The case actually began back in 2007, when the stores turned to municipality officials against the 24/7 convenience stores which take business from them by operating on Shabbos. The stores are fined regularly for operating on Shabbos in violation of the law, but they absorb the minimal fine since business is brisk.

The case worked its way to the Tel Aviv District Court which stated there was nothing to be done. The court also compelled the grocery store owners to pay 75,000 in court fees.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)