Since holding his press conference and announcing the launch of his new political party,MK Eli Yishai and his wife report they are receiving threats. Mrs. Yishai told the media that B”H most of the calls they receive are from well-wishers, but nevertheless there are threats and police are involved.

On Thursday morning 26 Kislev police arrested a 25-year-old chareidi male who is seen making threats at Yishai at the press conference. When asked on camera if he would harm Yishai, the young man, B.Y.N. said “Yes, I would”. He was arraigned on Thursday. He denied threatening Yishai when brought before the court. He claims his words were taken out of context.

The court pointed out that freedom of speech does not represent unrestricted speech and that at times, words lead to actions. B.Y.N. was released with restrictions, including he may not come within 50 meters of Yishai or any political function of his party. He is also prohibited from coming near the apartment building in which the Yishai family resides. He was compelled to put up 5,000 NIS bail and two persons had to sign for his release.

Yishai phoned the Jerusalem police chief on Thursday morning after learning of the young man’s arrest, requesting that he be released.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)