Superbus Bus Lines in Jerusalem to Halt for One Hour in Protest Over Driver Assault

The Transport Workers Union affiliated with Koach LaOvdim will strike Superbus bus lines in the Jerusalem cluster tomorrow, August 5, from 14:00 to 15:00. The strike protests the violent attack on driver Moathasem Kak last Saturday night, when a group of youths assaulted him, breaking four of his teeth and causing facial injuries. No suspects have been arrested yet. Superbus employees say their only protection consists of three motorcycle security guards patrolling the city as part of a Ministry of Transport security pilot program.

Superbus management petitioned the Jerusalem Labor Court to issue an injunction against the strike, but the court rejected the request. The union clarified that minibus lines to the Old City, which already struck last Sunday, will not be halted tomorrow. Itai Cohen, head of the transport sector at Koach LaOvdim, stated that the court recognized the workers' legitimate right to protest for their safety. He criticized the company for avoiding dialogue with the union after such a serious incident and called the current security measures inadequate.

Superbus responded by expressing regret over the court's decision and the expected disruption to passengers in Jerusalem. The company emphasized that driver and employee safety is a top priority and condemned all violence against staff. However, Superbus believes service disruption is not the right solution and pledged to continue cooperating with authorities. They also urged the Israeli police to intensify efforts to apprehend the attackers to protect employees and passengers and prevent future incidents.