Orthodox Jews In Jerusalem Protest Intel's Sabbath Operations

In Israel yesterday, some 2000 haredi (strictly Orthodox) Jews demonstrated outside the offices of Intel Corp. in an industrial park in Jerusalem protesting the chip maker's operation of its factory on the Sabbath. According to a report by the Jerusalem Post, protesters criticized Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Pindrus for not doing enough to prevent Intel from operating on Saturdays. Israeli law prohibits companies employing Jews on the Sabbath, but contains a number of exemptions. A member of the Knesset said that Intel had not obtained the required special permit from the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry entitling it to a serious harship exemption. An Intel spokesman, however, said the company was operating in accordance with law. Intel also said that ending Saturday production could endanger the feasibility of Intel's operations in Jerusalem and Kiryat Gat. Intel employs some 6500 in the two plants.