The Jerusalem Payis Arena was filled to capacity for the first yahrzeit memorial for Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L. As a result of the crowd there were reports of commotion at the gates since not everyone was permitted inside. In one incident, Chief Rabbi of Ohr Yehuda HaGaon HaRav Tzion Cohen Shlita was arrested for assaulting a policeman. He was taken to the Moriah Police Station together with his driver and a son. Later in the night he was transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in custody after complaining of not feeling well. Apparently the rabbi suffers from hypertension. He was permitted to go to the hospital but a number of policemen accompanied him since he was officially under arrest. Due to his medical condition the rabbi was release from custody and informed he would be summoned for questioning in the coming days. His son was released on Monday morning.

Police report the rav’s vehicle was diverted to another parking lot and this result in an incident and at that time the rabbi and a son assaulted officers. The policeman allegedly assaulted by the rabbi was transported for medical treatment and that is why they were placed under arrest.

Family members of the rav deny the accuracy of the police report acknowledging there was a ruckus at the gate but it had nothing to do with the rav, who was not involved in any way. It is added the driver did tell police not to lift a hand to him without reason for doing so would complicate their lives. At that point the policeman is quoted saying “You are going to make things difficult for me? Now I will do so to you and you are under arrest”. They add when Rabbi Cohen tried to ascertain what was taking place he too was arrested.

Also arrested was Holon Deputy Mayor Chaim Ziberlo who was later released on his own recognizance. Ziberlo arrived on a bus from Holon and he distributed entry tickets to permit people to attend the event. Police apparently suspected him of distributing forged tickets and therefore he was arrested. Here too police alleged he assaulted members of the force but his arrest was captured on video and the footage clearly shows at the deputy mayor did not assault anyone but rather he was struck by police without provocation or apparent justification.

Police have yet to release a statement to the media on the arrest of Deputy Mayor Ziberlo.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)