On motzei shabbos, a yahrzeit event will take place in Chevron in memory of Dr. Baruch Goldstein, who was murdered by an Arab mob after opening fire in the Machpelah on Purim in 1994, killing 29 Islamic worshippers.

Authorities fear that after several consecutive of Arab violence in the Chevron area, which is the Arab response to a government decision to include the Machpelah on the list of national heritage sites, the Goldstein yahrzeit event will spark renewed clashes. This was the case today, Thursday as well, as security forces were compelled to use riot-control adjuncts to control the Arab violence.

Organizers explain the event was planned before this week’s Arab violence partially to protest the opening of the Tzir Tzion Path to Arabs. The Arabs are planning to protest as well, against travel restrictions in the city. Authorities believe the storm will begin on Friday afternoon, following Muslim prayers.

Area military commanders report they are ready for any eventuality.

It should be noted that while it is rarely mentioned in the media, Dr. Goldstein was the highest ranking IDF medical officer in the area, haven proven his skills many a time, working to save victims of Arab terror and others requiring his care.

He had been informed that a major attack was planned against Jews and he had been instructed to establish a field hospital and prepare for the worst. It appears he decided to take matters into his own hands and prevent such an attack.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)