Ultra-Orthodox rioters utilizing group messaging to organize protests
Despite traditionally shunning smart phones, ultra-Orthodox protestors are increasingly using messaging services such as WhatsApp to quickly organize violent protests and identify police.
Ultra-Orthodox protestors rely chiefly on group text messages, such as those offered by instant messaging service WhatsApp.
Take for example the demonstration organized this week against Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who arrived in Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox enclave Mea Shearim for a condolence visit.
In a WhatsApp group with hundreds of members from the neighborhood, both young people and adults quickly messaged, "The Sicarii are calling to protest against the defense minister."
Shortly thereafter, a precise address was given along with orders to flood the area. At that point, violent demonstrations began, with protestors hurling rocks at Lieberman's convoy.
In another display, a young man noticed a soldier walking through the street with another man wearing civilian clothing. The young man immediately sent a message warning the group that two suspected undercover police officers were in the area and that he was "waiting for action."
Within minutes, hundreds of protestors flooded the street, with many hurling abuse at the officers, calling them "Nazis" and "murderers." Before the situation could spiral out of control, a larger police force arrived and extracted the two officers.
At the same time, police executed a raid on an ultra-Orthodox organization that assists young Haredi men in avoiding IDF conscription.
Protestors accused police of using the undercover officers as a diversionary tactic and rioters took to the streets hurling rocks, chairs and dirty diapers at police officers.
In the wake of these ultra-Orthodox protests and many others—including protests in which groups of Haredim march into Jerusalem's city center to hurl abuse at businesses and patrons operating on Shabbat—a secular protest will be held on Saturday near Neviim Street.
One of the organizers of the protest, Rafi Black, said, "We will not let a group of extremists dictate how we live."
