According to our reporter Yehuda Aharoni, early this morning (Tuesday) at around 3:00 a.m., two buses carrying dozens of ‘Shuvu Banim’ Hasidim (followers of Rabbi Berland) traveled to the village of Kifl Haris, to pray at the traditional burial sites of the biblical heroes Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh.
However, the peaceful visit took a violent turn as participants left the tomb compound, when dozens of village residents began hurling stones at them, and shouting “Allahu Akbar,” along with curses and insults.
1+Aharoni reported that one participant told him, “Because most of us are military deserters, we hesitated to call the police or security forces, fearing they would arrest us for desertion.” Two participants were injured in the attack: one was seriously wounded and taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where he is undergoing emergency surgery. A second person sustained minor injuries.
On their way back to Jerusalem, security forces at the Hizma checkpoint detained five passengers. Four were released a short time later, while the fifth was transferred to the Military Police after authorities discovered he was wanted for military desertion.
1+Despite the difficult night and the injuries, participants say they have no intention of giving up. Another participant told Aharoni, “We will not rest or relent until the State of Israel understands that this site belongs to us!” He added, “Let me tell you, we’re going back there tonight in full force!”
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