Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Again Damage Jerusalem Light Rail Works

Extremist Haredi protesters disrupted a light rail construction site near Bar Ilan in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, damaging infrastructure at the location. The incident is part of a recurring pattern that has reportedly continued for three years, with police so far unable to find a solution. According to the report, the vandals have caused about $400 million in damage to infrastructure.

The protesters oppose the planned route of the Jerusalem light rail through their neighborhood, and have repeatedly targeted the project in response. Some arrived with strollers carrying toddlers, apparently expecting police would try to remove them by force.

Jerusalem District police and Border Police officers worked to move the demonstrators away from the construction compound. Police said they were continuing to maintain public order and to allow the work to proceed normally, and that all roads remained open to traffic.

In its statement, police said, “We will continue to act decisively against any attempt to disturb public order and harm infrastructure works that serve the entire public.”