Jewish Worshippers Attacked by Arab Mob Near Joshua and Caleb Tombs in West Bank

In the early hours between Monday and Tuesday, two buses carrying dozens of "Shuvu Banim" Hasidim, followers of Rabbi Berland, traveled to the West Bank village of Kifl Haris to pray at the tombs of Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh. Upon leaving the burial site, the group was violently attacked by dozens of local Arab residents who threw stones and shouted "Allahu Akbar" along with various curses and insults.

One of the worshippers sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where he is currently undergoing emergency surgery. Another participant was lightly injured. Due to the participants' status as military deserters, they initially refrained from calling the police or security forces out of fear of arrest.

On their return to Jerusalem, security forces detained five of the passengers at the Hizma checkpoint; all but one were released shortly after. The remaining individual was transferred to military police custody due to outstanding desertion charges. Despite the violent incident and injuries, the group expressed determination to continue visiting the site, with one participant stating, "We will not relent or rest until the State of Israel understands this is our place," and announcing plans to return that very night.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Bank around religious sites and the challenges faced by Jewish worshippers visiting contested areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations proceed.