Yaki Adamker warns anti-Haredi violence could spread beyond the community

Channel 14 panelist Yaki Adamker said the violence he witnessed at a protest against Haredim was a warning for all Israelis, after the suspect who allegedly pulled a gun on Haredi demonstrators was released to house arrest on Wednesday. The release prompted an uproar and sharp criticism, and Adamker, who had been caught up in the protest on his way to a Channel 14 broadcast, described seeing severe attacks first-hand.

Adamker said he had walked into “the remnants of this protest” and encountered scenes he did not believe were possible against one group, adding, “Apparently it is only possible when it comes to Haredim.” He said he saw a truck driver come out with iron bars and threaten to kill people, including him, along with other forms of violence such as being run over, assaulted and spat on.

He used the experience to issue a broader warning to the public, including right-wing viewers. “Whoever is silent now when it is about Haredim should not think it will end with Haredim,” he said. In his view, the people behind the attacks see “the entire faith-based camp” as marked out.

Adamker argued that if violence is tolerated against Haredim, it could soon be directed at religious Zionists and then ordinary citizens as well. He said this reflects a situation in which there is no rule of law or order, and where violence is permitted against Haredim, making the danger one that could spread to other groups.