Jerusalem Day: Waving flags, torching flags

While hundreds of thousands, mainly yeshiva students, carried Israeli flags throughout the Western Wall pavilion and the Old City in celebration of Jerusalem Day on Wednesday – Mea Shearim residents celebrated the release of yeshiva student Fischel Greenfeld by setting flags on fire.

Greenfeld was arrested last Thursday after landing in Israel, in suspicion of organizing violent haredi protests about two years ago. The demonstrations at the time were directed at an electronics chain that sold goods "banned" by rabbis to the Orthodox public.

Greenfeld's remand was extended a number of times, and the police stated they planned on filing an indictment against him. However, on Wednesday Greenfeld was released on bail for a five-day house arrest. Police sources told Ynet that new evidence was shedding light on the case. 

Carrying flags through Old City, on Wednesday (Photo: AP) 

In recent days, haredim clashed with police officers, hurled rocks and set garbage bins on fire in protest of Greenfeld's arrest.

After he was released from custody, Greenfeld's supporters carried him in the air and called out "you are innocent." The men also claimed that their protest is what subdued the police and led to his release.

Amidst the celebrations, many Jerusalemites were irritated due to heavy traffic jams caused by the mass events. Although the capital's residents are used to the annual congestion, many claimed this year was worse than ever before.