Orthodox politicians have been unable to raise the money they promised the promoters of an international automobile race in Ashkelon last month for rescheduling the contest from Saturday to Sunday. They agreed to pay some $60,000 in compensation for the losses incurred when the promoters had to make refunds to thousands of ticket-holders who could not attend on Sunday, an ordinary working day in Israel. So far they have raised only $3500. Religious circles are balking against what they call “buying off” the Sabbath. Non-religious Israelis have denounced the deal as a bribe and religious coercion. The politicians, representing the National Religious Party and the Agudat Israel have been counting on the Orthodox community to raise the money.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
