Self-appointed haredi guardians of "modesty" standards and Jewish community behavior are back in action in Bet Shemesh.
The Sikrikim Are Back In Action
Rafi G. • LifeInIsrael.blogspot.com
It is amazing that about 10 people, or less, can instill fear on nearly half of a city. And that the police don't do anything about it. And that other community leaders don't do anything about putting stop to this group. Once again, they call themselves the "sikrikim", giving themselves a sense of ideology and holiness, as per the way the term is used in the gemara.
Kikar Shabbos reports that after a relative lull in their local activities, and a general quiet period, the self-appointed guardians of tzniyus standards and Jewish community behavior, are back in action, in Bet Shemesh once again.
Kikar reports that they have been busy threatening business owners that they either comply with the rules that they set down or else. When the business owner does not immediately comply, their storefront windows have turned up smashed almost immediately.
The report talks about a shoe store that was threatened to stop selling heeled shoes. When the owner did not remove the shoes from the store, the window was smashed. Another shoes store that was divided in 2 with a wall separating them and separate entrances was also approached and told they are not allowed to sell womens shoes at all. The windows were then smashed.
They approached another store, not even in their own neighborhood, that sells womens lingerie. The store does not open to the street, has no picture window with displays of merchandise and the clerks are all women. The group of enforcers went to the store and set a series of rules that must be complied with, including not selling more than 3 styles in any size, and only basic undergarments can be sold and only in one color.
A wig and makeup store, also in a different neighborhood was also attacked, because they did not approve of the way the storekeeper dressed. A stink bomb was thrown in the store and the window was defaced with mud.
[Hat Tip: FrumFollies.]