Jerusalem Police Clash With Breslov Followers During Rabbi Nachman Celebration

Severe disturbances and clashes erupted with police in Jerusalem early Tuesday morning during celebrations for Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, drawing thousands of attendees. The annual event, hosted by Rabbi Shalom Arush at his "Chut Shel Chessed" institutions, also included a "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" gathering. This year's event was attended by Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and several Knesset members.

The unrest began around 3:00 AM in the vicinity of Chaim Bar Lev Boulevard and Zaks Street, where dozens of participants blocked the light rail tracks, obstructed civilian vehicles, and threw stones at police officers. The light rail disruptions occurred during a busy period as many people were traveling to the Western Wall and other destinations during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday.

Police forces, including Border Police and special patrol units, were deployed to clear the tracks and disperse the crowd. During the confrontations, police used crowd dispersal methods, including a water cannon and stun grenades. The police reported that dispersal orders were given and ignored before they acted. Five suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the disturbances and violence.

Reports from the scene indicated that police used force during some arrests. Additionally, within the main event area, an altercation occurred between several individuals, with claims that Rabbi Arush's son was attacked while attempting to de-escalate the situation. The arrested individuals were taken for questioning.