Israel Police were forced to rescue Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch on Tuesday night after ultra-Orthodox protestors besieged her, rioting and smashing the windows of her car, according to an Israel Police spokesperson.
The protestors gathered in Ramat Beit Shemesh to violently protest Bloch’s arrival for a tour of a new ultra-Orthodox school building that is set to open in the coming school year.
The protestors threw objects at the building and set fires near the school compound as well as throwing stones at police officers who were on the scene, injuring one.
Due to the violence that erupted, Bloch was stuck inside the building for roughly 30 minutes. She was later ushered safely out the back door by police officers.
A couple of hours later, Bloch released a video saying that she knew her attackers represented only a small group among the ultra-Orthodox community and that she wouldn’t let them scare her from continuing her work as mayor.
Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch speaks during a press conference at the Beit Shemesh municipality building on November 20, 2018 (credit: YAAKOV LEDERMAN/FLASH90)“I spoke last night with Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch after the violent attack she experienced,” said Health and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel (Shas) on Wednesday morning. “Violence is a sick evil that must be uprooted. I expect law enforcement to act immediately to protect local elected officials from anyone who raises a hand to them.”
“I supported Beit Shemesh’s Mayor Aliza Bloch this morning following the difficult incident last night,” said National Unity leader Benny Gantz on Wednesday morning. “Aliza is an example of a public figure who serves all parts of society – religious, secular, and all Beit Shemesh residents as they are. The extremists’ behavior toward her is not only condemnable, it also endangers and harms Israeli solidarity.
“For years, I’ve said that Beit Shemesh is a case study of Israeli society with its diverse population, and in this test, we must succeed as one people.”
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