On the responsum – Attending a conference over the weekend – published in JME VIII/2

To the editor of Assia:
Dear Editor,
Regarding the responsum ("Attending a conference over the weekend") on page 70 of volume VIII, no. 2 of Assia (October ​2016), allow me to inquire as follows:
It appears on its face that this tshuva is at odds with a tshuva of the Igross Moshe (Rav Moshe Feinstein zt"l), which responds to a query in which it is stated that the Igross Moshe was seen in an automobile on erev Shabbat after candle lighting time but before the shkia. The writer acknowledges that this is permitted, but asks whether it does not violate the "marit ayin" rule, as some people may not know that it is permitted. In his response, the Igross Moshe says that "marit ayin" does not apply to such situations, in which the observed behavior is halachically permitted, though some viewers may not know that it is halachically permitted. The "marit ayin" rule applies only to situations in which the observer may be led to believe that an actual halachic transgression has taken place. The standard example is entering a store on Shabbat; upon leaving, an observer will conclude that a purchase has presumably been made, which is forbidden.

In his responsum, Prof. Abraham explicitly said that attending the conference on Shabbat is halachically permitted, so according to the Igross Moshe, no "marit ayin" is involved. Does Prof. Abraham disagree with the Igross Moshe?

Cordially,
Yisrael Aumann