Police Clashes with Ultra-Orthodox Over Lockdown Violation in Israel

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Israeli police have clashed with ultra-Orthodox Jews in several cities over violations of coronavirus lockdown rules, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

Police in the city of Modiin Illit tried to disperse worshippers who had gathered late on Tuesday at a synagogue that should have been closed in accordance with Health Ministry regulations.

Police said that after they requested that everyone leave the area, hundreds of more residents turned up and police units were attacked with stones and fireworks.

A spokesman said four officers were wounded and seven suspects were arrested.

A video released by police shows huge crowds of residents singing and shouting at police and a firework exploding.

Elsewhere, in Jerusalem, police arrested 17 suspects who were allegedly involved in throwing stones and metal bars at police.

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In Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv, police said they closed 12 synagogues after dispersing dozens of people gathered there against the regulations.

At one of the gatherings, an individual who had tested positive for Covid-19 was identified.

Following spikes in daily coronavirus infections, the second lockdown in Israel took effect on Sept,18. for the duration of a three-week holiday season that began with the Jewish New Year.

Prayer services are permitted to be held outdoors only, with a maximum of 20 people.

Images of mass events held in the ultra-Orthodox sector have outraged other parts of the population.

Coronavirus Czar Ronni Gamzu said last week that 40 per cent of all new coronavirus infections are in the ultra-Orthodox community.

 

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