From 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, heavy traffic disruptions spread across Israel as thousands of ultra-Orthodox motorists took part in a mass “car protest” against the arrest of yeshiva students. The convoys, organized by members of the ultra-Orthodox public from all groups and communities, departed from 19 cities, from Safed in the north to Arad in the south, and were headed to the military prison “Kela 10” near Beit Lid.
Police said severe congestion was being felt on Routes 1 and 6 and on additional roads because the vehicles were moving in ways that did not match prior understandings reached with organizers. In some locations, protesters were seen getting out of their cars and walking on the roadways. Although the highways were not fully blocked at that point, police said they would not allow unlawful closures or harm to freedom of movement.
Police urged participants to act responsibly and follow the agreed conditions. The force was working at congestion points to prevent full-scale blockages.
MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, who was leading the protest convoy on Route 1, said on departure, “It is unthinkable that in the State of the Jews Torah learners are persecuted.” He also said they were setting out “to fulfill the commandment of protest” and added that they would continue the demonstrations until, in his words, the persecution of Torah students stopped.
