Police on Wednesday night made additional arrests, taking two suspects into custody in connection to the attack against a woman in Ramat Beit Shemesh on Tuesday afternoon.

Police arrived at the homes of the suspects during the predawn hours after information gathered by investigators points to their involvement in the attack that occurred at the Rama Shul in that community. The suspects in custody are being brought before a remand hearing today (Rosh Chodesh Shevat) at which time police will request that the court order their continued incarceration as the investigation move forward. It is unclear if all five in custody will be remanded or only some of them. Police released a message to the media that additional arrests are expected today as well.

The case involves an attack against Natalie Moshiach, 27, a woman who was posting announcements in the Rama Shul when a number of avreichim requested that she leave, apparently due to her inappropriate attire. There are conflicting reports regarding the motive of the victim, some stating her act was intended to provoke an incident while others indicate she was an innocent victim of an unprovoked attack. Whatever the case, it is unlikely she would have dreamed of the ferocious attack that ensued. She was bombarded with rocks, sustaining a head injury and her vehicle was significantly damaged, including smashed windows and tires.

When asked to describe the attack, Moshiach told the press that she simply wanted to post her announcements. While she was doing just that, she claims an older male began to verbally assault her, spitting towards her, and shouting “shiksa”.

“Ten males dressed in black and while came in my direction with rocks and bottles in their hands. I later learned the bottles were filled with bleach. They began throwing rocks at me. I was hit in the head and a leg. I feared for my life”.

She told police that she was certain she was going to by lynched. The bleach was poured into her vehicle. Three local residents, chareidim, were taken into custody immediately following the assault.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)