It would appear Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat is playing hardball and he is unwilling to be held hostage by hoodlums who identify with the chareidi community. With damage caused to police vehicles, garbage dumpsters, traffic signals and more, the mayor has decided to implement a policy of collective punishment. At least one law-enforcement person was injured as well.
The mayor has ordered a halt of all municipal services to the Geula and Meah Shearim neighbors, flexing is political muscle in a move aimed against the spreading violence in chareidi Jerusalem. The mayor explains he is compelled to take steps to protect municipal employees, explaining his harsh decision, stating his motive is not punitive. He added that when the situation calms and city employees are not at risk, services will resume. He also apologized to the community residents who are not involved in the violence.
Police report the rioting actually began on Sunday, when members of the Meah Shearim trashed the area’s city social work office in protest over the arrest of the woman affiliated with their community.
On a positive note Baruch Hashem, the child who was hospitalized in serious condition is beginning to respond to treatment and showing signs of improvement.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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This was an early one-sided version of an evolving story. This is turning into an Israeli equivalent of Soweto or the Boston Massacre – an event that will be a “watershed” after which the world and the relationships of the parties will be radically changed.