Mayor Lupolianski
Photo: Uriel Hershko
Riots in Jerusalem
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Students to J'lem mayor: Speak up against haredi riots
Student bodies representing all higher education institutions in capital call on Lupolianski to condemn violent protests against gay parade, say they fear for their lives
The student organizations in Jerusalem sent a letter Monday to Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski, calling on him to denounce the haredi violence against the upcoming pride parade, and take all measure against law breakers.
"In recent days we have witnessed an ongoing series of violent and dangerous actions on behalf of extreme residents across the city of Jerusalem," the students wrote. "The chilling indifference displayed by the social and political leadership in the face of these violent acts led to the spread of these incidents outside the town's borders."
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"These extremists promise us that their activities will increase and escalate in the coming days… and threaten to hurt Jerusalem residents," the letter continued.
The students wrote that they felt this reality "presents real and immediate threat, not only to the rule of law and democracy in Israel's capital, but also to our lives and safety. It's inconceivable that a student hesitates to leave his house for fear to his life."
The students demanded that Lupolianski make a stand against the violence and take the appropriate measures against the rioters in the streets. "If we feel that our lives are under a constant threat," they warned, "we will not hesitate to protest."
The Jerusalem municipality said in response that "the students' letter has not been received by the mayor yet, but has already been sent to the media. Essentially, the mayor acts and condemns every act of violence. He did so in the past, is doing so now and will act this way in the future."
The statement further said that it was the police's, rather than the mayor's, responsibility to punish the law breakers.
