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Orthodox Leaders Incensed over Sabbath Football Playing in Jerusalem

October 21, 1930
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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Orthodox Jewish leaders and the officials of the Agudath Israel, Orthodox organization, are highly incensed at the playing of the first football match in this city between two Jewish teams since the protest strike last May against the suspension of immigration. Saturday’s game was played to the accompaniment of a chant of protest by members of the Shomrei Shabbos, the Society for the Preservation of the Sabbath, who surrounded the playing field.

The Orthodox leaders are particular wrought up over the game because when the Agudath Israel agreed to join in the protest strike the Jewish National Council undertook to prevent Sabbath football in Jerusalem. The game was between the Hashmonayaim and Hapoel. The outraged Orthodox leaders repaired in a body to the playing field and rebuked the players for violating the Sabbath.

The sponsors of the game protested that no tickets were sold and no vehicles were permitted to approach the field, while the playing itself was no violation of the Sabbath.

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