Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis crowded the streets of the Jerusalem on Sunday evening, celebrating the last day of the Purim holiday despite the coronavirus restrictions.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis were spotted earlier walking along the highway leading to the capital, determined to celebrate the final day of Purim holiday, despite public and organized group transportation to Jerusalem halted until Sunday night.
A mass Tish - a mass gathering of a senior rabbi and his flock - was held by members of the Gur Hasidic movement at Beit Midrash of their rebbe in the capital. The movement officials said the participants are all either vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19.
Large police forces have been patrolling the ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods of the capital since the morning hours in the wake of the possibility the residents would hold mass Tishes and violate the coronavirus regulations.
In addition, dozens of seemingly intoxicated ultra-Orthodox men gathered at the Bar Ilan Junction in Jerusalem and attacked police officers. One of the officers was attacked with pepper spray and needed medical attention.
Police said a large force had been deployed to the scene and was attacked by several rioters who violated the government orders.
"Additional forces were called to the scene and three suspects were detained for questioning, one of whom was injured during his arrest and needed medical treatment," said police in a statement.
It was reported that during the incident, Haredi rioters damaged several police vehicles.