Gur Hasidim Riot in Arad After Mistaking Police Response for Draft Arrest
Hundreds of Gur Hasidim rioted in Arad after mistaking police responding to a crying infant for draft enforcers. Mayor Yair Maayan strongly condemned the attack on officers.
A violent riot broke out in Arad on Monday night after hundreds of Gur Hasidim surrounded two police officers who responded to a report of a crying infant. The crowd mistakenly believed the officers had come to arrest a military draft dodger, leading to street blockades and attacks on law enforcement.
Incident Details and Mayor Response
The incident began late at night when a report came in regarding a crying baby in a home belonging to Gur Hasidim. Two police officers arrived and were quickly surrounded by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox residents. According to Arad Mayor Yair Maayan, some individuals blocked the officers' path and attacked the police vehicle.
I condemn the violent riots by hundreds of Gur Hasidim tonight in Arad against the dear officers of the Israel Police, stated Mayor Maayan. I demand that the Minister of National Security and the Police Commissioner act immediately to enforce the law against these criminal rioters.
Municipal Inspector Assaulted
Testimony from a municipal inspector who was part of the targeted patrol revealed that roughly 200 Gur Hasidim surrounded the vehicle on Yehuda Street. When the female officer and the inspector stepped out to secure the area, they were swarmed. The inspector was knocked to the floor, had his radio stolen, and was forced to use pepper spray after attackers attempted to grab gear from his belt.
Even after locking themselves back inside the vehicle, the assault continued as rioters kicked the car and hurled eggs and stones. Border Police and YAMAM forces were eventually called to the scene, and the police vehicle sustained damage to its rear camera and bumper.
Broader Context of Protests
The unrest in Arad unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing demonstrations against the arrest of ultra-Orthodox military draft dodgers. A day earlier, members of the Jerusalem Faction blocked Route 4 near the Yavne Interchange, protesting arrests made over the weekend and clashing with stranded motorists before police cleared the highway.
