Jerusalem School Gets Police Protection After Haredi Protest

Police will provide security for a secular school in Jerusalem's Kiryat Yovel neighborhood on the first day of the school year, following a protest by dozens of Haredi residents.

The protesters arrived at the school on Monday, demonstrating against what they called "licentiousness" in the city. They covered the school's windows with stickers opposing IDF conscription and wrote "Stop the licentiousness in our neighborhood" on its walls. The group also smeared paint and threw garbage near the entrance.

The school informed parents that attempts had been made to vandalize the property and that stickers had been placed on its exterior walls. "Following the protest and incidents, the police are expected to secure the school tonight and tomorrow when students arrive for the start of the school year," the school stated.

This protest is the latest in a series of events concerning the religious character of Jerusalem. Last Saturday, dozens of Haredi individuals blocked the entrance to the city to prevent buses from operating on the Sabbath. Earlier, protesters targeted a "Basemta" cafe on Agrippas Street, which is open on Saturdays, with one woman documented pouring glue on the entrance lock.

Additionally, some extremist Haredi residents have protested against light rail construction on Bar Ilan Street, expressing concern about secular people and immodestly dressed women using the street.