Many residents of the southern community of Kadima are scratching their heads in disbelief and anger after police ‘cracked down’ on 15-year-old who was operating a summer drink stand. The young man is known to community residents, who explain he has set up his table and cold drink stand in the past, simply trying to make some pocket money during summer vacation. The stand literally consisted of a small folding table with a cold drink available in addition to a number canned beverage products. The boy also set up a folding chair aside the table to sit in as well as an umbrella against the sun.

However for police in Kadima, this major law-breaker would not be tolerated and they made certain to shut him down. The young man’s parents question the action of police, asking who he harmed and why police are so vigilant to prevent a boy from making pocket change while they turn a blind eye, addressing his modest enterprise as a major law-breaking operation.

The shutdown operation began with harassment, as the boy explains police first instructed him to relocate. The boy complied, moving from the shady side of the street to the sunny side. That was not enough and he was issued two fines, each for NIS 250. In addition police photographed him to intimidate him, frequently stopping by as if his presence was a major affront to the community or public safety. The boy adds that on one particular day, a policeman told him if he does not shut down he would turn the stand over.

The boy’s father was not oblivious to what was taking place, visiting the police station and even speaking with Chief Superintendent Moshe Pinchi, asking why his son was being targeted. His efforts and pleas fell on deaf ears.

When asked to comment police simply explained the stand was operating without a business license in addition to interfering with pedestrians and obstructing traffic.

There is no mention of anyone in the community filing a complaint against the stand operating where it did.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)