A new Jerusalem movie complex must remain closed on Shabbat, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled.

In its ruling on March 16, the high court said the Jerusalem municipality should renegotiate the contract with Cinema City complex, which opened last month in central Jerusalem with  15 theaters and some 50 restaurants and shops.

The building permit issued in 2010 to the construction company included a stipulation from the Jerusalem municipality and the Finance Ministry that the complex remain closed on Shabbat. The complex was built on government property, and the municipality has said it should remain closed on Shabbat like all government offices.

Several private movie theaters in the city remain open during Shabbat, as do other attractions near Cinema City, including the Israel Museum and the Science Museum.

The theater’s owners are concerned about competition from venues that remain open on Saturday. — jta