Amazingly, the entire neighborhood of Meah Shearim consists of a relatively few small narrow streets, yet for those who cannot permit others to live in peace, Sukkos brings with it the opportunity to accuse the tzibur of this community of degrading women, the annual rishus event in which secularists decry the signs that instruct men and women entering the community to use opposite sidewalks towards maintaining tznius in line with the community’s wishes.

In the events that took place on Monday night, motzei the first day of yomtov in Yerushalayim, the provocateurs arrived with the media and the rocks began flying. As a result, Yediot Achronot photographer Atta Awisat was injured in his head in what was described as a light injury when he was struck outside the Toldos Aaron Beis Medrash. A police was also injured as they tried maintaining order following the provocation of the ‘Yisrael Chofshit’ organization activists.

Police and officials in Toldos Aaron point of finger of blame at the sikrikim for the rock-throwing violence.

Mickey Gitzin, a leader of the Yisrael Chofshit group told Yediot, “A year ago the High Court of Justice ruled that there is no room for events in which women are excluded. We expect the prime minister to make it clear that red lines exist also in issues like women’s exclusion. Israel has not only external threats, like the Iranian bomb.”

Bottom line, authorities moved the fence to the side, providing a victory for those who oppose the mechitza which has been declared illegal. Toldos Aaron officials did not seek to interfere with police who were enforcing the High Court decision of last year.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)