This shabbos, protests were held not only in the Meah Shearim area of Yerushalayim, but in Bnei Brak too. A small number of chareidim protested the opening of an office of Pelephone, one of the nation�s cellular telephone providers.

The company�s main area office, located at 11 Ben-Gurion Blvd. in the industrial area of Bnei Brak was open this shabbos. Participants report some 100 chareidim took part in the protest, which lasted for about one hour.

A number of askanim reportedly brought the matter to the attention of the city�s chief rabbi, HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Leib Landau Shlita, who appears to be bringing it to the attention of the mayor, R� Yaakov Asher.

Interestingly, Pelephone responded with a denial, explaining the company conducted a �comprehensive check� into the allegations, insisting there was no chilul shabbos at the office as reported.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)