'Religious were kept out'

Eilat residents displaying religious headgear prevented from taking part in ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sharon; "they apparently decided anyone wearing a kippa is a potential assassin," one man said. Security officials deny charges

By Tali Itzhaki and Meir Ohayon|Published: 03.20.05 , 20:48

EILAT - Eilat residents displaying religious headgear were kept out of a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, disgruntled local residents told Ynet Sunday.

The ceremony, in commemoration of the liberation of the southern town of Eilat 56 years ago, was open to the public, but anti-pullout protesters wearing their trademark orange shirts were not allowed to enter the venue.

The protesters subsequently removed the shirts, but at that point security officials apparently instructed guards to block the entry of all religious, kippa-wearing individuals.

The security establishment, however, denies such order was given.

Eilat resident Shimon Hirsch, 19, said many local religious residents wanted to attend the ceremony, but were prevented from doing so.

"The Shin Bet and the police blocked the entry of anyone identified as religious, wearing a kippa, or religious women wearing skirts," he said. "I asked the police and Shin Bet agents about it, but they didn't respond."

"All the religious people didn't enter, older ones and younger ones, couples and singles," Hirsch said. "They apparently decided anyone wearing a kippa is a potential assassin."

Most people noticed religious people were being kept out, he said, but did not inquire about it.

"A little girl of all people, who came in with her mother, went over to the police officers and asked why her teacher wasn't allowed in," Hirsch said.

'This is the epitome of chutzpa'

Longtime Eilat Resident Nechemia Priel, 38, also says many people wanted to attend the ceremony but anyone suspected as a pullout objector was kept out.

"Whoever had a kippa or a skirt, wasn't allowed in," he said.

Many people who were not allowed to come in through one gate simply removed their kippa and went to another gate, where they were admitted without incident.

"It's simply unbelievable," he said.

Priel was especially upset because banners in favor of the disengagement plan were allowed into the venue.

"That is, supporting the prime minister is allowed, but protesting against him is forbidden," he said. "This is the epitome of chutzpa, it's Bolshevik."

The Eilat city hall, meanwhile, said Sunday's incident was a result of police instructions.

"We are talking about a group of protesters who wore orange shirts. It was important for us that the ceremony goes without a hitch," an official statement said.