Israel’s Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev said on Sunday she will not attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, because it would entail chillul Shabbos.
“Shabbos is our national day of rest [and] is one of the most important gifts that Jewish people have given to the culture of humanity,” Regev said about the event that is set to begin on Friday, August 5.
“As the representative of the state of Israel, the sole Jewish state on the planet, I unfortunately cannot take part in the opening ceremony of the Olympics because it would require me to break the holy Sabbath.”
Regev’s decision won plaudits from United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher, who said that “Regev’s actions should set an example for other ministers for how to behave when they represent the Jewish people.”
The Culture Minister acknowledged that efforts had been made to accommodate her and her staff within walking distance of the ceremonies, in order to avoid having to drive there.
But security officials told her that it would not be possible to guarantee her safety unless she stayed in the housing as originally planned, which was farther away.
Regev, of the Likud party, is regarded as traditional but not strictly religious.
also worthy of noting how the rebbe spoke before the 76 olypmics how jews dont belong there,
if someone has the shabos sicha, please share, so all can read on their own to see the rebbe’s open openion
Beautiful Kiddush Hashem, kol hakavod! 🙂
Good for you, Miri.But in any case, even if it would be during the week, does a JEWISH STATE really need to participate in Olympics, which glorifies physical prowess alone? The Olympics harks back to the ancient Greeks who tried to eradicate Judaism. There are far more important things for a JEWISH STATE to be involved with.
In another article she is even quoted as saying she isn’t as strict about Shabbos herself, but as a representative of Israel, how could she not keep it for this!
I heard a story about an Israeli bicyclist who stayed off the Israeli team that went to the Munich games in 1972 due to Shabbos observance. Saved his life, no doubt.
Her actions have far-reaching effects, will inspires many Jews!
Rega rega rega… 😉😂 😊
Thanks for making us proud.
Israelis can be very proud of her as should the entire Jewish world
an amazing kidush hashem. with more good acts like these we will overcome our enemy’s
good for her that she chose to do the right thing! it is a big kiddush hashem!
Kol hakavod miri!we’re so proud of you! The whole Jewish nation can and should be proud of you too!
whats she doing there in the first place?!?! after they played on in Munich as if nothing happened! Israel should boycott the olympics!!!
the only problem is I don’t have a hat.
Beautiful. Haven’t heard such sports news since Sandy Koufax declined pitching in the world series because it fell out on Yom Kippur. She deserves a Gold Medal.
אם אתם משמרים נרות של שבת,אני מראה לכם נרות של ציון.
ממש קידוש שם שמים.אין כעמך ישראל.ישר כח על ההחלטה.
שנזכה מיד לראות את בית המקדש השלישי. להתראות בירושלים ת”ו
goog shabos..
Miri Regev had a choice to go the opening of the Olympics or keep Shabbos.she chose Shabbos . What a Kiddush Hashem. Her action hopefully others will follow her lead.
Israeli Sports Minister shows Jewish pride and sets a good example for every Jew in the political as well as general public arena. Kol Hakavod!