Residents of Efrat, in Gush Etzion, are planning a large demonstration in the nearby Arab village of Wadi Nis, in protest of the release of a would-be terrorist from prison.
Eight days ago, the terrorist - grandson of the Mukhtar of the nearby village of Wadi Nis - was apprehended near the entrance to Efrat, carrying a knife and a suicide letter. He was released from prison two days ago, and local residents responded with a call to action. The residents will gather at the Emergency Medical Center on Friday at 9 AM, and will demand that the terrorist be re-arrested. "If not," the organizers say, "we will be compelled to march towards Wadi Nis, where we will stay until proper action is taken."
Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin weighed in with a strong demand of the security forces:
"...I have spoken at length with the police and have written a very sharp letter to the individual in charge of prosecuting such a case in order to express my outrage that someone who is so dangerous could be let free. I was told by the police that he is mentally unbalanced. I responded that I am certain that very many if not all of the terrorist suicide bombers are likewise mentally unbalanced... You all know that I have fostered a very good relationship with Wadi Nis, Jortashama, and Wad Rahal during these last 20 years. And indeed we have been helped by individuals from these villages to forestall attacks in the past. Nevertheless... I hold the leadership of Wadi Nis responsible and have refused any contact with anyone from Wadi Nis until and unless the would-be assassin is either behind bars or locked away in a mental institution. I believe it is crucial that we all place as much pressure as possible on the police department and the security personnel in Israel to make sure that this individual not remain free to attempt to harm us again."
Eight days ago, the terrorist - grandson of the Mukhtar of the nearby village of Wadi Nis - was apprehended near the entrance to Efrat, carrying a knife and a suicide letter. He was released from prison two days ago, and local residents responded with a call to action. The residents will gather at the Emergency Medical Center on Friday at 9 AM, and will demand that the terrorist be re-arrested. "If not," the organizers say, "we will be compelled to march towards Wadi Nis, where we will stay until proper action is taken."
Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin weighed in with a strong demand of the security forces:
"...I have spoken at length with the police and have written a very sharp letter to the individual in charge of prosecuting such a case in order to express my outrage that someone who is so dangerous could be let free. I was told by the police that he is mentally unbalanced. I responded that I am certain that very many if not all of the terrorist suicide bombers are likewise mentally unbalanced... You all know that I have fostered a very good relationship with Wadi Nis, Jortashama, and Wad Rahal during these last 20 years. And indeed we have been helped by individuals from these villages to forestall attacks in the past. Nevertheless... I hold the leadership of Wadi Nis responsible and have refused any contact with anyone from Wadi Nis until and unless the would-be assassin is either behind bars or locked away in a mental institution. I believe it is crucial that we all place as much pressure as possible on the police department and the security personnel in Israel to make sure that this individual not remain free to attempt to harm us again."