Three secular activists were detained by police for questioning on suspicion of vandalizing the Jerusalem erev in recent weeks in the Ramat Sharret and Kiryat Yovel neighborhoods. Two of the suspects were detained last week and the third suspect this week.

It appears they intentionally tore the eruv on Shabbos, resulting in countless people being mechalel Shabbos as a result R”L. They tore the eruv on several successive Shabbatot.

The activists are quoted telling Kikar Shabbos News that some chareidim took advantage of the dark and ran some illegal eruv lines in the community, and this is what compelled them to act as they did. They used sticks from brooms and kitchen knives to down the lines.

Religious Council officials explain all the eruv poles are authorized and there is no way someone could come in an add on his own without authorization.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)