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Simchat Torah procession (Archive photo
Photo: Tal Cohen

Holiday cheer in Akko: Clashes between Jews, Muslims

Young guard of Simchat Torah procession in Akko fires into air, after altercation with local Muslim youths

Clashes developed Saturday evening in Akko during a procession in honor of Simchat Torah: A young Jewish man guarding the procession fired shots in the air, apparently following an altercation with Muslim youths.

 

Pursuant to the shots, a number of Muslims assembled around the synagogue. They were dispersed by the police and the shooter is expected to be detained.

 

A preliminary investigation of the incident revealed that Saturday evening, a procession from the Wolfson yeshiva marched towards the synagogue. According to witnesses, the young guard noticed a group of youths, sitting nearby and smoking a hookah. He asked them to stop smoking, out of respect for the holiday.

 

In response, the youths said that they lived in the area, were not Jewish and therefore had every right to do as they pleased. A verbal dispute ensued.

 

Based on evidence gathered by the police, the group of youths attempted to block the procession from walking in the neighborhood, which is primarily Muslim. For reasons yet unknown, the guard pulled out his weapon and fired shots into the air, after which the procession continued towards the synagogue.

 

Miraculously, no one hurt

As stated, a large group of Muslim youths then gathered around the synagogue. Many police forces, commanded by Chief Superintendent Moshe Cohen, arrived at the synagogue, along with leaders of the Muslim community, in an attempt to calm the situation. In the end, the youths dispersed.

 

"It's lucky that the incident ending without any casualties," Galilee Police Commander Yoram Malul told Ynet. "It could have easily developed into a bloodbath."

 

"If the young guard indeed fired into the air as we were told, it is an irresponsible act that, miraculously, didn't end badly," he added.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.14.06, 21:21
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