Ultra-Orthodox Protest Shabbat Bus Travel, Block Jerusalem Entrance

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked the entrance to Jerusalem near the Chords Bridge on Saturday night, demonstrating against public transportation operating on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The demonstration, which involved hundreds of participants, caused significant traffic disruptions, with police working to clear the road and restore normal flow.

The protesters, affiliated with various ultra-Orthodox factions, expressed their opposition to the desecration of Shabbat, which they believe is violated by the operation of buses on the holy day. They chanted slogans and held signs condemning the practice and calling for stricter adherence to religious laws.

Police forces were deployed to the scene to manage the protest and prevent escalation. While the demonstration remained largely non-violent, the closure of a major artery into the capital led to frustration among motorists. Authorities eventually succeeded in dispersing the crowd and reopening the road after several hours.