MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Menachem Mendel Moses turned to Homeland Security Minister Yitzchak Aharonovich regarding the alarming increase in rock-throwing attacks against Jews in outlying neighborhoods in Yerushalayim. Moses points out that of late, there have been a growing number of attacks in a number of neighborhoods of the capital including Armon HaNatziv, Abu Tor, Gilo, Har HaZeisim and Mount Scopus.

Moses points out that Yidden routinely come under attack by Arabs in the Har HaZeisim area, and recently, a small child was seriously injured in the rock-throwing attack in Armon HaNatziv. The MK explains to the minister that the situation is alarming and unacceptable and action must be taken immediately.

Aharonovich responded, first stating arrests have been made in the case of the injured infant attack. The minister acknowledges the recent alarming increase in attacks, adding police are allocating additional manpower towards preventing future attacks.

Moses tells the minister that regarding the daily attacks against mispallalim in the Har HaZeisim area, the Knesset Interior Committee has already discussed the problem, which is the large Arab school travelers pass, pointing out the school enjoys 100% state funding. Moses explains the committee suggests closing the front gate of the school, which faces the road used by mispallalim and compelling the students to use the rear entrance of the school exclusively. He adds police agree with the solution, questioning why this has not yet been implemented.

Moses cites it is absolutely unacceptable that people cannot travel to and from kevarim of loved ones and rabbonim to be mispallel without coming under attack yet the ministry is not taking action to halt these attacks. The MK cites the lack of police presence in the Har HaZeisim area which is another contributory factor.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)