Two and a half years after the Jerusalem City Council allowed the First Station to open during Shabbos, the Charedi parties within the city council have finally forced the hand of Mayor Nir Barkat to revisit the issue and bring the topic back to a vote in the council.

Bechadrei Chareidim reported that the meeting will be held in two weeks time to reopen the case. This comes following his continued refusal to discuss the case after the Chareidi factions of the city council issued an appeal to the ruling more than two years ago. Barkat is being forced to review the bylaws about the First Station due to the fact that numerous buildings in the area need to be redone and soon due to the planned Light-Rail extension and for other reasons.

In order to close what has become one of Jerusalem hot-spots for tourists and locals alike, the Chareidi parties will need to get the majority of the council on their side.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)