Holy day Internet blackout on Israeli websites fuels secular, religious tensions

Internet holy day blackout imposed in Israel

JERUSALEM — Israeli government offices that provide an array of public services are pulling the plug on online payments on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays.

The move has created new potential for friction between the religious minority and secular majority in the Jewish state.

Ultra-Orthodox Cabinet ministers are leading the charge to enforce the religious prohibition on spending money on Jewish holy days. But for non-religious residents, tourists and foreign workers, the planned ban creates a new inconvenience.

Israelis and the thousands of foreign workers living in Israel have been able to renew passports, extend their visas or pay hospital fees online around the clock.

But now, the interior, health and religious affairs ministries — all controlled by ultra-Orthodox parties — plan a holy day payment blackout.