'The 'Flag' went out to demonstrate and declared war: 'You will not close our synagogues' I Watch

September 29, 2020   

After the police raid on the synagogue: Hundreds of members of the Jerusalem faction came out this evening (Tuesday) to protest against the closure of synagogues due to the coronavirus pandemic. Police arrested two protesters who were blocking roads. The demonstration began after the rabbis of the faction in Modi'in Illit announced this evening: "On behalf of the Torah scholars, it is forbidden to remain silent in the face of the disgrace this morning in the Neot Pisga neighborhood, in the large Beit Shmuel seminary, when police forces broke into the seminary and brutally dragged 7 of the most important students into custody." Following the call, hundreds of residents went out to demonstrate on Hafetz Chaim Street "to announce to the people and the world that the synagogue is the most vital need, and that it is not possible for government officials who have no connection to religion to close the synagogues.".

Photo: Zvika Golovnetsitz

The protesters declared: "Do not interfere in our way of life!", "Only the great Torah scholars will determine what is permitted and prohibited," "The Torah and prayer are what protect the world and prevent diseases." Sources in the Jerusalem branch declared this evening that this is just the beginning, and that "there is an intention to make a noise all over the world, until the clear message that they do not have the power and possibility to touch the holy places is transmitted. "The entire people of Israel stood only yesterday on Yom Kippur and shouted 'Shema Yisrael' and there is no Jew who did not understand how essential the synagogues are. We will fight for the opening of the synagogues on Sukkot and Simchat Torah as well." Police forces arrived at the scene of the demonstration and tried to disperse the protesters. However, the demonstration got out of control, and the protesters advanced towards the exit from the city - and blocked the road leading from the Shilat junction to the city. The police said: "A demonstration is taking place in Modi'in Ilit with the participation of hundreds of protesters who are blocking the traffic routes. "Police forces are working on the scene to disperse the demonstration. So far, two protesters have been arrested on suspicion of disturbing public order.".