New footage casts doubt on official version of events at AG's synagogue
Newly released video seems to contradict government version of events at AG's synagogue Saturday night; originally, officials claimed Mandelblit was accosted while reciting Kaddish for late mother; protesters insist they were respectful, civil, did not harass Mandelblit; Justice Ministry: Video incomplete.
Since the incident at Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's synagogue Saturday night, protesters and government officials have been arguing over what truly transpired there, with a video released Sunday night seemingly supporting the protesters' version of events.
A number of protesters stood outside the Nigunei Haim Synagogue in Petah Tikva Saturday night to protest against Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's foot-dragging in the investigation over wrongdoings by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the conclusion of the evening prayer, worshipers left the synagogue to recite Kiddush Levanah—the blessing over the new moon. Mandelblit says he was compelled to use the back door, accompanied by a security guard, out of concern that he "Would be dragged into a violent confrontation with the protesters," which prevented him from reciting the Kaddish prayer for his recently deceased mother.
In light of the incident, police have decided to increase security for Mandelblit. The concern is not that those same protesters would harm the Attorney General but police do not want to take any chances.
In a video recording of Saturday night's incident, taken by a reporter, protesters can be seen engaging in a verbal argument with congregants declaring that they have the right to be present there. However, Mandelblit is nowhere to be seen.
Deputy Attorney General Ran Nazri spoke to the media Sunday saying: "Nobody wants to deny their right to protest, we are in a democratic country. Democracy includes rights, (but) not absolute rights. This protest was held in a private sphere and the Attorney General was assailed with insults and yelling on his way to synagogue."
Nazri asserted that the invasion of privacy and prevention of Mandelblit from reciting Kaddish for his mother "Crossed a red line. Mandelblit left through the back door because they were shouting at and filming him. It was clear that the moment he would leave the shouting would intensify."
However, new video recordings released by Channel 2 contradict Nazri's version of events and embarrass the Justice Ministry and Mandelblit.
In the video, it can be clearly seen that Mandelblit arrives at the synagogue and passes by the protesters without any incident.
On Sunday, the protesters insisted during media interviews that they did not disturb the Attorney General and conducted a peaceful protest outside the synagogue. The video supports their version.
"We decided to stand outside his place of worship, I do not know whether he did or did not say Kaddish for his mother, we did not disturb," said Inna Shoval, a protester. "We did not stand next to the stairs but rather near the sidewalk. We were quiet, civil and respectful. None of us approached him or called his name."
Protesters assert that the demonstration was quiet until the congregants came out and began shouting at them to "Go to Gaza," and they called the police, which confirmed their right to stand there.
Despite the release of the video, the Justice Ministry's spokesman maintains his insistence, arguing: "The video does not present the complete chain of events according to the congregants. The provocateurs themselves admitted to calling on the Attorney General by name and that cannot be seen in the video released by the media."
