Jerusalem demonstration ends largely peacefully; group from Bratslav sect, angry over Uman pilgrimge, joins in; man in passing car said to brandish pistol at Herzliya activists
29 August 2020
photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Thousands of Israelis took part in nationwide protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday evening, with the largest gathering taking place in Jerusalem where demonstrators have staged weekly rallies across from the premier’s residence. Some 200 Bratslav Hasidim joined the Jerusalem rally, angry at a government policy aimed at preventing their traveling to Uman, Ukraine, for an annual pilgrimage to the grave site of a venerated rabbi.
Media reports indicated some 20,000 took part in the demonstration in Jerusalem. Meanwhile organizers, citing bracelets they hand out to to all participants, said attendance was at 37,000.
Protests ended largely peacefully, in stark contrast to last week’s events that saw many violent incidents and claims of police brutality by participants. Police officials said protesters listened to instructions and stopped making noise at 11:00 p.m., so they did not have to use force.
Police said 16 people were detained or arrested for disturbing public order or assaulting policemen. Several people received fines for blocking roads after police called on demonstrators to disperse at midnight.
Read more at https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-protest-against-netanyahu-across-israel-amid-tensions-with-police/
