These Are My Concessions
In 2012, Israel passed a law that brought many smiles and savings by allowing outside food and drinks at movie theaters
When reminiscing about my childhood, I look fondly at the memories of going to the movie theater and watching comedies, dramas, and thrillers - but never horror films. An essential part of the experience was certainly a tub of popcorn (ideally of the white cheddar variety) and a cup of Wild Cherry Pepsi. I also clearly remember going with my parents to the grocery store and buying some of our favorite treats at a far lower cost than at the theater. We would hide the snacks in our bigger winter coats during the winter and a smaller amount of goods in our pockets and my mom’s purse in warmer weather.
There was a certain thrill in sneaking in Rolos and Cheetos, but also an anxiety that the security guard checking bags would discover our deception and swiftly boot us from the theater.
That never happened, but the anxious memory is still there. I remember a friend of mine smuggling a slushy into the theater by holding it under his jacket. I held my breath as we passed the security guard and a wave of relief passed over me when we sat in the theater slushy in hand.
I don’t remember trying this, but I remember the idea of turning the smuggling into a competition. What’s the craziest thing that can you successfully sneak in? My dream smuggle was a steak dinner and wine. I’d still like to do that. The need to sneak wouldn’t be there, but the admiration and possible slow clap would be. Maybe one day…
Pop-ular Law is Passed
All of that anxiety/thrill was before a glorious law was passed. In 2012, the Knesset Finance Committee approved an amendment to the Consumer Protection Law called the Popcorn Law, authored by MK Carmel Shama-Hacohen (Likud), that allowed moviegoers to bring their own snacks1. It was seen as a popular decision that would allow Israelis to save money by avoiding the high fees at the theater. The new law would allow moviegoers to bring their own snacks to closed venues, such as movie theaters, sports arenas, and theaters, but not to venues where food and drinks are not sold. That is an important detail as outside concerts without food and drink vendors won’t allow the outside goods. Even outside water in a water bottle is sometimes forbidden.
In a line that seems quite exaggerated, especially in this time of war, Shama Cohen said that:
"We can see the new law as a kind of 'Iron Dome,' that will protect the consumer2."
When I made aliyah, I remember trying to sneak in food only to realize that the sneaking was not necessary. People brought whatever their hearts desired. There were certainly limits to this freedom. I’ve never seen anyone bring a full feast like the picture below, but I’ve brought beer and Terra chips. The anxious feeling is there when passing the security guard and opening my bag from the grocery store, but nothing is said as I pass by. I feel like I’ve gotten away with something each time. I beat the system!
But I didn’t beat the system because the system now allows for outside snacks. We might not be happy with the ways of the Knesset now, but they did us a solid 12 years ago.
Looking for a Loophole
Seemingly out of an animated movie with a villain, some movie theater chain owners sought to get around the Popcorn Law by bringing in outside vendors to sell food and drinks at the theater. The law is directed at business owners themselves, so a vendor not connected to a movie theater or other closed venue could technically not allow outside food because the theater didn't sell food or drinks3.
Thankfully, Members of the Knesset approved a bill that would outlaw loopholes and protect the crucial right of the ability to bring snacks from home to the institution of the movie theater.
In tough times, it helps a bit to appreciate the small things. This is a very small treat for Israelis, but it grants a bit of joy to those moments of escapism in the theater. Viewing a movie that you’ve been excited for becomes even more of a joy when you can bring your favorite snacks and drinks for a fraction of the price. It might be fun on your next visit to an Israeli movie theater to see just how many snacks you can bring.
Song of the Week
ללמוד לעוף
Leel-mowd L’oof
Learning to fly
This song comes from Akiva, beloved disciple of Ishay Ribo. A hopeful tune aimed to lift the spirits. Mention of falling down and getting up again. An important lesson for these tough times.
I enjoy all of his songs greatly. He has a soft sound and a certain genuine quality to his voice. You can feel what he says.
Slang of the Week
פרלמנט
Parliament
A group of older men or women who congregate regularly and discuss life - sometimes the discussion surrounds more meaningful topics like current events, history, and culture. Other times, they might chat about more general happenings in their lives.
Thank you kindly for reading this week’s post. I hope that you will continue to read and enjoy.
Tune in next week for a Sababoosh podcast episode with Joseph Gitler, the founder and chair of Leket Israel!
Wishing you a Shabbat shalom and a quiet and safe weekend!
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Brot, Tzvika. “Bring your own popcorn”. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4254141,00.html#:~:text=Any%20movie%20theater%20attempting%20to,from%20bringing%20in%20their%20own.
Ibid.
“Economic Affairs Committee approves bill that would close loopholes in the ”Popcorn Law” that prevented consumers from bringing their own snacks to movie theaters”. Knesset website. https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/news/pressreleases/pages/pr11958_pg.aspx