A tragic incident unfolded in Jerusalem on Tuesday night, resulting in the death of a teenage boy and injuries to several others after a bus plowed into a crowd of ultra-Orthodox protesters. The mass demonstration was against proposed conscription laws for the Haredi community into the Israeli military.
Chaos and Tragedy in Romema Neighborhood
The fatal event took place in the Romema area, where tens of thousands of Haredi men and youths had gathered to voice their opposition to the potential drafting of ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The protest escalated, with participants setting fires, overturning rubbish bins, and blocking major roads including Yirmiyahu Street and the Shamgar Street intersection.
According to police preliminary findings, the situation turned violent when rioters surrounded and attacked a bus driver whose vehicle was obstructing the road. The driver, fearing for his safety, subsequently moved the bus, leading to the catastrophic collision. The victim was identified as 14-year-old Yosef Eisenthal from the Ramot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Three other youths sustained light wounds.
Scene of Horror Described by First Responders
Emergency medical services from Magen David Adom reported that the bus first hit pedestrians near Shamgar Street before proceeding to Ohel Yehoshua Street, where another victim was struck. EMT Eli Eisenbach described a scene of great commotion, with a young victim trapped under the bus. “Unfortunately, we had to declare his death at the scene of the accident,” Eisenbach stated. Disturbing footage from the area showed the bus driving through an intersection with a fire burning in the roadway, one protester dragged underneath as bystanders screamed in panic.
The rescue operation faced further difficulties when police were forced to push back emergency responders attempting to reach the victim due to the volatile and dangerous environment. The bus driver was later detained for questioning by authorities.
Political Fallout and Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath, Israeli police issued a stern warning, stating that “violent rioting, blocking traffic arteries and attacking vehicles cross a red line, endanger lives and could end in great tragedy.” The statement highlighted the official stance that the protesters' actions contributed to the deadly outcome.
The incident sparked immediate political reactions. Some lawmakers pointed fingers at what they called widespread incitement against the Haredi community. Member of Knesset Yisrael Eichler made a strong accusation, claiming, “The brutal murder tonight of a Haredi teenager dragged under a bus in Jerusalem is a direct result of wild and antisemitic incitement against the Haredim.”
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the precise sequence of events and responsibilities remains active and ongoing. The tragedy has cast a stark light on the deep tensions surrounding the long-exempted military service for Israel's ultra-Orthodox population.
