Title: Halperin Optica Owner Slams Big Chain’s Protest Actions: “You Must Not Touch Livelihood”
Date: 11/07/23
Photo: Eyal Margolin, Flash 90
Yaakov Halperin, the owner of the Halperin Optica chain, has strongly criticized the management of Big, a major retail chain, for their decision to close shopping centers as part of a protest day. In a statement, Halperin expressed his refusal to join the protest, stating that livelihoods should not be tampered with.
The protest day, previously announced by Big, aimed to highlight certain issues. However, after backlash and concern from businesses and their employees, Big management reversed their decision and allowed stores to open if they wished to do so.
Halperin praised Big’s management for recognizing their mistake and altering their stance on the protest. He believes that the shopping complex will be fully open on this day. However, he firmly emphasized the importance of not infringing on other people’s businesses, labeling it as an act of respecting the law and fellow entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the matter, Halperin stated, “No one can take the law into their own hands and shut down someone else’s business, because a certain agenda suits them or doesn’t suit them, because they want to demonstrate or don’t want to demonstrate. The fact that Big rectified their mistake should be respected.”
When asked about conversations with fellow business owners in the complex and their intentions to open, Halperin acknowledged their dissatisfaction with the initial decision. He criticized Big for making such a unilateral decision without consulting or investigating its impact on others. He condemned this approach as dictatorial and highlighted the negative consequences for the thousands of customers and employees affected.
Returning to the issue of the protest’s motive, Halperin maintained that his statement is purely economic and not driven by political beliefs. He stressed that, regardless of personal opinions on reform, it is unacceptable for someone to impose their agenda on others who are trying to earn a living. Halperin affirmed that the right to protest within the confines of one’s office is acceptable, but interfering with businesses and livelihoods is off-limits.
Halperin concluded by emphasizing the sanctity of a person’s livelihood, stating, “No one is allowed to touch a Jew’s livelihood. It is the Holy of Holies.”
In light of the controversy, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact the relationship between Big, its tenants, and the broader business community.