Raid in Yitzhar
Raid in YitzharIsrael news photo: HaKol HaYehudi

Boaz Albert of Yitzhar is continuing his battle against administrative distancing orders. Albert, a farmer and married father of six, has repeatedly returned to his home despite the fact that doing so could mean jail time.

He has continued to return home despite being violently arrested in August in an incident that made national headlines, and forced police to temporarily freeze their use of tasers.

Albert was handed an administrative order in August that forbids him to enter the Judea or Samaria (Shomron) regions, despite the fact that his home and business are both located in Samaria. Defense officials refused to tell Albert why he had been distanced from his home, saying the information is classified.

The Alberts attempted to fight previous distancing orders using legal means, but say they have despaired of getting justice through the courts. Instead, they have begun a campaign of nonviolent resistance.

Boaz Albert was ready for the Border Police when they came again Tuesday to take him from his home by force. He handcuffed himself to the floor of his home using a special device he created.

At the same time, youth from the area blocked police non-violently by holding a Sukkot celebration, complete with singing and dancing, in the Albert home. Other Yitzhar residents showed their support for Albert by blocking the entrance to the town.

Local activists issued an urgent call to supporters to come to Yitzhar to help them. A message from the Women in Green movement noted that it could take police "a good few hours" to open Albert's device, giving supporters time to gather to resist the arrest.

The Albert family’s campaign to keep Boaz at home has won support from many religious and political leaders. Among those who have visited the family since Boaz began his struggle are Chief Rabbi of Hebron Rabbi Dov Lior, Chief Rabbi of Tsfat (Safed) Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, and MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud).

MK Orit Struk (Bayit Yehudi) has expressed support for Albert and has campaigned in the Knesset to limit the use of administrative orders which can be used to prevent suspects from entering their homes without charges being brought.