Chareidi askanim have warned that they may launch a widespread consumer boycott against the Israeli airline Israir if it continues to operate flights on Shabbos, according to a report aired Tuesday by N12 News.

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis acknowledged the mounting pressure, confirming that he had been called to Yerushalayim to meet with leading chareidi figures in an effort to address the growing dispute.

“It is important that public discourse be conducted with respect, while avoiding exclusion, ostracism, or boycotts,” Sirkis told investors, concluding with the Leviticus phrase, “You shall love your neighbor as thyself.”

Among Israel’s four main airlines, only El Al refrains from operating on Shabbos. Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa all continue to run flights during the day of rest, serving a sizable portion of secular travelers and tourists.

Since Air Haifa primarily serves northern routes with limited destinations, a shift in Israir’s Shabbos policy would effectively leave Arkia as the sole airline offering Shabbos flights to most locations.

The potential boycott could extend well beyond air travel. Israir is owned by businessman Rami Levy, who also controls a large supermarket chain that carries his name.

{Matzav.com}