Jaffa: Arabs Assault Rosh Yeshiva, Riot Against Jews

By: Aryeh Savir

A group of Arabs assaulted a Rosh Yeshiva in Yafo and then rioted against the Jewish presence in the area on Sunday night, violent events that took place just south of Tel Aviv.

The incidents began when two Arabs assaulted Rabbi Eliyahu Mali, the head of the Yafo Yeshiva. They were unhappy with his attempts to acquire properties in the area, apparently believing the area should be free of Jews.

Rabbi Mali sustained light injuries, and the two attackers were arrested shortly after by the police.

A group of Jews protested the anti-Jewish attack in the heart of Israel as local Arabs called on them to leave and shouted “Allahu Akbar.”

The Arabs’ counter-protest subsequently evolved into a riot as tens of Arabs incited by a Muslim religious figure rioted, clashed with police, set trash cans on fire, and attempted to assault the Jews who came to protest the assault on Rabbi Mali.

The police arrested eight rioters on suspicion of disorderly conduct, throwing rocks, and launching fireworks at the police forces at the scene.

As a result of the Arab riots, two policemen were injured and evacuated in light condition for medical treatment.

Several cars were damaged by rocks thrown by the Arab rioters.

Haim Goren, a member of the Tel Aviv City Council, said that “I saw pictures from the incident today and it brought me back to what happened in Jaffa 100 years ago during the events of 1941 when Arabs murdered hundreds of Jews here. We have not reached this state, but it starts and continues and if it is not stopped it will reach that state. We will stay here and strengthen the yeshiva and community institutions and we will continue to flourish and raise children.”

Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, said the attack on the rabbi is “a serious blow to the coexistence we are trying to cultivate in Yafo. We will continue our efforts to develop an inclusive society that is able to live together in our city.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack, and thanked the security forces for the quick arrest of the suspects.

(TPS)