Israel News
April 20, 2008
Knesset Debates “Chametz” Law
Jerusalem
JTA Wire Service
The Knesset held a special session to discuss a court ruling allowing stores to sell chametz on Passover. A judge of the Jerusalem Municipal Court dropped indictments against four restaurants and grocery shops for violating the country’s so-called “chametz law.” That is the ruling that stands. The law, the Passover Bread Ban Act, forbids the public display of chametz, though many have interpreted it to mean that chametz may not be sold as well.
“The judge’s decision shows that she considers herself authorized to make decisions on a national issue,” said Knesset member Shmuel Halpert of the United Torah Judaism Party, who called the session.”
The judge’s decision harms the Jewish identity of the State of Israel.” Meretz lawmaker Zahava Gal-On said, “The Passover Bread Ban Act shouldn’t be amended, it should be annulled. Since when does the entire Jewish identity depend on eating bread on Passover?
“I respect people’s right to believe and keep kosher on Passover, but I also respect people’s right to go into a private establishment and eat whatever they want. Coercion is not what Israel is about.”
Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik said she believes the fate of the law should be decided in the Knesset and not by the attorney general.
Abbas, Olmert Hold Surprise Meeting
Ehd Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas met in Jerusalem for the second time in a week. The Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian Authority president met at the prime minister’s official residence in a meeting that was confirmed only shortly before it started.
Abbas will leave on a visit to the United States. He will meet with President Bush in a U.S. effort to speed Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. While the agenda of the meeting was not made public, it was expected that the leaders discussed issues raised during peace negotiations between the parties. Abbas will report on the progress of those meetings to Bush.