Riots Erupt Around Jerusalem

by Eric on October 5, 2009

Young Palestinians have continued a multi-day string of riots aimed at Israelis around Jerusalem.  The riots began in Shuafat after Israelis arrested a Palestinian teenager accused with stabbing an Israeli soldier conducting a security check on a bus.

Since the arrest, the situation has escalated.  The riots have spread around Jerusalem and into Ramallah.  Palestinians have been throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers.  Israelis responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.  Seven Palestinians and two Israelis have been injured in the fighting.

Israel also temporarily closed access to the Temple Mount during Sukkot, when many Jewish worshipers gather at the nearby Western Wall, or Kotel.

“Moderate” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestinians would “confront Israel.”  That sounds awfully inciteful and Yassir Arafat like to me.

About the author

Eric Eric is the founder and editor of IsraelSituation.com. He has been to Israel many times including a semester at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the former president of the Israel advocacy group at the University of Colorado and teaches about Israel and the Media at a local religious school.

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  • http://intensedebate.com/people/anthonyreich anthonyreich

    Even though I know there was continuing trouble in Jerusalem yesterday, it was difficult to feel this when in the city. I went to Jerusalem for the traditional Sukkot priestly blessing which took place at the Western Wall – the Kotel. I estimate that I was one of approximately 50,000 who thronged to this event. Security was tight, police were in evidence throughout Jerusalem and armed soldiers were stationed around the entire Western Wall area. But I felt that my safety was only threatened by the possibility of being crushed by people pushing and shoving around me to get to where they wanted to go.

    Jerusalem was filled to capacity wherever we went with people making their Sukkot pilgrimage from near and far. But never did we feel threatened by riots or unrest.

    Hats off to the police and security teams for a job excellently done.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/eric1985 eric1985

      Thanks for that insight Anthony. It is good to hear that things seem good in Ha'rova (The Jewish Quarter).

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