An official of the Beit Shemesh Religious Council told Kol Berama Radio host Noam Zeigman on Monday morning 18 Teves that a very small number of individuals are involved with downing eruv poles in the Bar Ilan neighborhood of the city. He explained the neighborhood is mixed, containing about 150 chareidi families living in peace alongside non-chareidim.

It is explained that last week, a pole was set in place by mistake, in an incorrect area. The pole has since been removed. He added that an apology was issued after the realization the pole was installed in an incorrect location. On Sunday afternoon 17 Teves, non-residents of the neighborhood, number 6 to 7 persons backed by a city councilman from Likud, arrived and downed the eruv, announcing the eruv will not likely be repaired by this coming Shabbos as a result. The council head lamented their actions, adding that one would expect a councilman to work to bridge gaps and not feed the flames of dissension and machlokes.

In its response to the report, City Hall released a statement explaining it has always worked to maintain harmonious relationship between religious and secular and a committee will be formed in coming days to oversee the matter here too while working with all concerned parties.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)