Observers and gunmen: Arabs will protest, the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood is afraid and preparing

May 27, 2021   

Residents of the Chabad Lod neighborhood, like the rest of the Jewish neighborhoods in the city of Lod, received a notice this afternoon (Thursday) stating that the Israel Police had authorized the city's Arab population to hold demonstrations over the weekend - one on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in front of the courthouse, and the second on Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. in front of the police. Dreaming of money falling from the sky? Tonight at midnight the safe opens Jewish residents fear riots and have announced special preparations, including the placement of observers. A statement issued by Chabad Lod Housing Security Coordinator Haim Mitnitsky stated that observers would be placed on street corners and in gardens. "In the synagogue, high alert must be maintained even during prayers. Observers must be placed during prayers with a working mobile phone, and instructions must be followed that will be distributed in groups if necessary. If a group is approaching, the police must be informed," it said. Regarding preparations in residential buildings: "Depending on the assessment of the situation, instructions will be given to lock themselves in their homes. Sirens will be sounded from both the Sabbath siren and the scattered loudspeakers. Ground floor residents will go up to the apartments of their neighbors above. Preparations must now be made for those who will remain here over the weekend in the upper apartments and agree on an evacuation to them. Residents of the upper floors who are reading this are asked to contact their neighbors today to coordinate this in advance. "If the group continues to approach our area, all the men of each building will descend to the entrance of the building to demonstrate their presence and prevent entry to the buildings," it was said. "Those who have the ability to equip themselves with fire extinguishers and organize more, send a message to Eli Sabag about this. The fire hoses must be checked to be accessible and active. "We now have 2 armed men from the neighborhood and 2 more from outside. We ask anyone who can help recruit more armed men to protect the lives of the residents. We are appealing for volunteers to be recruited for the purpose of observation, logistical assistance, and extinguishing the fire." The briefing also stated: "Mobile phones must be kept ready and operational for reports and instructions until the end of Shabbat, with the approval of the HaMera Datra Rabbi Yurkowitz.".