Jerusalem police officials announced on Thursday, 7 Menachem Av, that preparations for the 9 B’Av weekend have been completed. Police and border police along with volunteers in the Jerusalem district will take part in the special Tisha B’Av deployment. Jerusalem Police Chief Moshe Edri released a statement to the media that police will be out in force to maintain order with an emphasis on vehicular and pedestrian traffic inside and around the Old City. There is also an emphasis being placed on the areas along the Jerusalem periphery and police will be cracking down on apprehending PA (Palestinian Authority) residents inside ‘Green Line’ Israel illegally. Police will take action against anyone giving shelter and/or employment to PA illegals.

Police will also assist municipal inspectors in enforcing the law prohibiting cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities from opening on Tisha B’AV night.

On Shabbos night, erev Tisha B’Av, the Women in Green annual Tisha B’Av walk around the Old City will take place, from Independence Park to Dung Gate. From 20:00-24:00, the following streets will shut to vehicular traffic; Agron, Menashe Ben-Yisrael, King David, Yitzchak Kariv, Shlomo HaMelech, Shlomtzion HaMalka, Koresh, Sultan Suleiman, Derech Yericho, HaOpal, Maale Shalom and Jaffa Gate.

Streets will be reopened as the Women in Green event leaves an area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)