Orthodox Jews don’t welcome back Potter
At 2:01 a.m. on the dot this Saturday, Israeli bookstores are scheduled to participate in the world-wide synchronized release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the highly anticipated final book in J.K. Rowling’s seven-part series. But never mind Voldemort. Harry’s most unrelenting opponents might be Orthodox Jewish government officials, who are outraged that the ...
At 2:01 a.m. on the dot this Saturday, Israeli bookstores are scheduled to participate in the world-wide synchronized release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the highly anticipated final book in J.K. Rowling's seven-part series. But never mind Voldemort. Harry's most unrelenting opponents might be Orthodox Jewish government officials, who are outraged that the release is scheduled on the Sabbath. By law, most businesses in Israel are required to close on this holy day of rest and cannot forces employees to work, which could pose a small problem for book retailers preparing for one of the biggest launches of the year.
At 2:01 a.m. on the dot this Saturday, Israeli bookstores are scheduled to participate in the world-wide synchronized release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the highly anticipated final book in J.K. Rowling’s seven-part series. But never mind Voldemort. Harry’s most unrelenting opponents might be Orthodox Jewish government officials, who are outraged that the release is scheduled on the Sabbath. By law, most businesses in Israel are required to close on this holy day of rest and cannot forces employees to work, which could pose a small problem for book retailers preparing for one of the biggest launches of the year.
But for many, Harry Potter trumps the law. Steimatzky, Israel’s biggest bookstore chain, is holding a gala event in Tel Aviv beginning Friday night to celebrate the launch. Spokeswoman Alona Zamir said:
We will hold the launch as planned because we are contractually bound to do so. The book will go on sale here at the same time as in other places around the world.
Trade and Industry Minister Eli Yishai has made it known that he isn’t taking the rebellion lightly. He plans to dispatch inspectors to report on stores that take part in the book launch.
For ardent fans of magic and wizardry, it is going to take more than a little controversy to dampen their excitement. Steimatzky has already received tens of thousands of advance orders for Deathly Hallows in English. With all the speculation flying around about Harry’s possible demise, Israeli fans may have to start looking for a secluded hiding spot for Saturday to make sure nobody ruins the ending before they can actually get their hands on a copy.
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