The Hareidi Council (Eida Hareidit) called Tuesday for massive prayer rallies to be held this Sabbath in the streets of Jerusalem after Mayor Nir Barkat announced earlier in the evening that the city-operated Safra parking lot would open on the Jewish day of rest.

Less than a month ago, violent street protests forced the city to close down the parking lot. Barkat also said he planned on opening the Carta parking lot, near Jerusalem’s Old City, on the Sabbath as well.