Hundreds of Gur Hasidim Riot in Arad Over False Draft Evasion Alert
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Hundreds of Gur Hasidim rioted in Arad overnight after a false alert claimed police were arresting a draft evader. The officers were actually responding to a report of a crying baby. During the disturbance, a police car was blocked, an inspector was attacked, and the vehicle was damaged. Arad Mayor Yair Maayan condemned the violence and demanded that the rioters be arrested and prosecuted, stating that Israel will not tolerate anarchy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hundreds of Gur Hasidim rioted in Arad after a false alarm about a draft evader arrest.
- Police officers were actually investigating a report of a crying baby when the disturbance began.
- During the riot, a police vehicle was blocked and an urban inspector was attacked.
- The "Tzeva Kachol" system, which issued the false alert, claimed initial signs suggested military activity.
- Arad Mayor Yair Maayan condemned the violence and called for the prosecution of the rioters.
Hundreds of Gur Hasidim gathered in the city of Arad overnight following a false alarm about the arrest of a draft evader. In reality, police officers were responding to a report of a crying baby. During the ensuing riot, a police car was blocked, an urban inspector was attacked and his radio was confiscated. The mayor of Arad has demanded action against the rioters.
The violent disturbance erupted when hundreds of Hasidim surrounded a police vehicle, mistakenly believing it was there to arrest a Haredi man evading military service. The officers, however, were investigating a report of a baby crying in a local residence. Around 1 a.m., an alert was disseminated through a system called "Tzeva Kachol," used to mobilize activists in cases of suspected arrests of yeshiva students avoiding military service. The alert falsely claimed military police were at the home of a Gur Hasid in Arad to arrest him for draft evasion, providing his address and calling for a public response.
In response, hundreds of Hasidim converged on the area, with some blocking streets and surrounding the police car. According to an urban inspector, approximately 200 Hasidim surrounded the vehicle, obstructing its path. The inspector reported being attacked by several individuals from the group, who knocked him to the ground and attempted to take items from his belt, including his radio. Even after the officers managed to return to the police car and secure themselves inside, the disturbance continued.
Border Police and special patrol units were dispatched to the scene. The police car sustained damage, including to its rear camera and bumper. It was later confirmed that there was no attempt to arrest anyone for draft evasion. The "Tzeva Kachol" system issued a clarification, stating that prior to disseminating the alert, there were indications of military law enforcement activity, but upon the arrival of residents and further investigation, it was determined to be a misidentification.
Arad Mayor Yair Maayan strongly condemned the riot, calling for legal action against those involved. "I condemn the violent riot of hundreds of Gur Hasidim tonight in Arad against our dear Israel Police officers," Maayan stated. "I demand that the Minister of Public Security and the Police Commissioner immediately enforce the law against the rioting criminals." He added, "These violent rioters against Israel Police officers must be arrested and brought to justice. The State of Israel will not be anarchy. It is unacceptable that police officers carrying out their duties to enforce the law are attacked by a group of residents trying to harm the law and its enforcement." Maayan emphasized, "Anyone who harms Israel Police officers will be dealt with to the fullest extent possible. There is law in this country, and no one should be allowed to violate it and turn Israel Police officers into targets."
