Brutal police violence on Mount Meron: During the evacuation of worshippers who arrived today (Sunday) to pray at Zion Rashbi on Lag BaOmer, despite the prohibition imposed by security agencies due to the security risk, the police acted with unusual violence towards the elderly, women, and young people.
One of the shocking videos filmed in the Mount Meron area shows a large group of police officers escorting an elderly Jew who just wanted to pray, when suddenly - for no reason at all - one of the police officers slams him to the ground with force. The elderly man hits his head on the road and is left lying bleeding.
Another footage shows a police officer brutally beating young people and then pulling out a gun and firing into the air.
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Mount Meron: A police officer violently beats a citizen and then shoots in the air.
To remind you: these are civilians, not terrorists! pic.twitter.com/oYvI2ycUZg— Anastasia Schocken????️ (@anastasiashok) May 26, 2024
Ziv Hospital in Safed, where the injured were evacuated, reported that "16 injured people from the Meron revelry incident were evacuated to Ziv Hospital." One of the injured, a 75-year-old man, suffered a head injury and underwent imaging to assess the severity of the injury. After no evidence of bleeding or fractures was found in his head, he was bandaged and will be released home.
""In addition, there are 5 police officers and 10 civilians who were slightly injured during the disturbances at the scene. The injured are suffering from dry wounds, and after treatment they are expected to be released during the night.""
Meron: Police officer threw an elderly man to the floor pic.twitter.com/RUTPW4XUyc
— Yedidya Epstein (@yedidya_epstien) May 26, 2024
The publication of the videos documenting police violence caused public shock and a series of condemnations from across the political spectrum.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded: "I demanded an accounting from the police regarding cases of violence in which a police officer severely injured an elderly man on Mount Meron and another police officer fired into the air. I strongly condemn cases of police violence against civilians.
""Throughout the day, I provided full support to the police, Border Guard soldiers, and security forces who did everything to protect Mount Meron from real danger to life. But there is no escape when there are exceptional records, when it comes to violence against the helpless, the elderly, and women - to condemn and demand that the police be held accountable.".
Later, Ben Gvir spoke with Border Police Commander, Superintendent Brick Yitzhak, and the two agreed that the policeman who brutally slammed an elderly man to the floor, the policeman who shot in the air, and the policewoman who beat an elderly woman during the events in Meron, all of whom are reservists, would be suspended until the investigation is complete.
The police said: "Starting this morning, thousands of people arrived at the grave site, violating the order of the Home Front Command Major General and the law, confronting police officers and causing damage to property that was placed there to protect their safety.
""19 police officers were evacuated for medical treatment after being thrown towards iron bars, glass and various objects. The protesters also damaged the means and property set up at the site to maintain their safety. So far, over 1,000 unauthorized people have been removed from the site and thousands more have been blocked on the roads leading to the site.".
The police added: "Following the video in which a Border Guard soldier in reserve is seen pushing an elderly man in Meron - we would like to clarify that we view the conduct seriously and accordingly the soldier has been removed from activity until the incident is clarified. Likewise, the other incidents will be examined and lessons will be drawn accordingly.".
However, many public figures demanded the immediate dismissal of the police officer and not just a suspension.
Minister of Jerusalem and Israeli Tradition, Meir Porush, commented on the documents: "The shocking sight of a Border Police officer violently knocking an elderly Jew to the ground or another police officer shooting into the air at a civilian event is heartbreaking to everyone and unacceptable. I demand that the violent police officers be immediately dismissed.".
