Israel Police have already begun the annual crackdown on the importation of illegal fireworks, which are in increased demand ahead of Purim. Unfortunately, despite warnings from police, the medical community and rabbonim, the fireworks are still too popular among chareidi youths and tragically lead to serious injury every year.

A police spokesman’s message to the media states at present an emphasis is being placed on the Lachish district, with Ashdod police working hand-in-hand with border police, reporting considerable success to date. Units acting on a tip searched the home of a local resident, a 15-year-old, who was found in possession of an undisclosed quantity of illegal fireworks. The youth was taken into custody for illegal possession with intention to sell. He insists they were for his own use, not for sale.

Police in the Lachish district report the operation is expanding to a number of cities and municipalities including Ashkelon, Sderot, Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)