Israel’s Kibbutz Movement has launched a protection program for haredi
soldiers who need to enter the Jerusalem haredi neighborhood of Mea
Shearim, where three haredi soldiers have
been physically attacked by haredim in the past ten days alone.
Haredim throwing stones at police in Mea Shearim in July 2011
Israel’s ‘Guardian Angels’ To Protect Haredi Soldiers From Haredi Mobs
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Israel used to be known for its collective settlements, known as kibbutzim (kibbutz; singular) and the often hard nosed secular pioneers that inhabited them. These sabras (prickly pears) drained Israel’s swamps and made its desert bloom, and they fought Israel’s wars – often on the front lines in commando units.
But decades later, Israel is now known for its high tech and for its state-of-the-art military with its drone warfare. The few kibbutznik farmer-commandos that remain are often viewed quaint throwbacks to a simpler time or as simple anachronisms.
But maybe not any more.
Israel’s Kibbutz Movement has launched a protection program for haredi soldiers who need to enter the Jerusalem haredi neighborhood of Mea Shearim, the Jerusalem Post reported, where three haredi soldiers have been physically attacked by haredim in the past ten days alone.
Male volunteers from the Kibbutz Movement will meet any haredi soldiers who want an escort at the intersection of Sarei Yisrael Street and Rashi Street.
The kibbutzniks will escort the haredi soldiers, in some cases by car and in others on foot.
If haredim attack, the kibbutzniks – who will, they say, not be armed – will call police.
The service will be available from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays.
“In every place where a soldier feels like he is threatened we’ll be there to help him. We love and embrace those who are participating in the security of the state and so we have decided to help provide security for those who need it themselves,” Yoel Marshak of the Kibbutz Movement’s Projects Division reportedly said.