Israeli police arrested Ilan Hirschfeld,a retired air-conditioner retailer, at his Raanana home on Sunday night. He was released him a few hours later, with the following restrictions: He is not permitted to enter Jerusalem for ten days, and is not permitted to discuss the questions he was asked during his interrogation.
Hirschfeld's primary occupation is leading groups to Hevron and Gush Katif, organizing Yesha arts-and-crafts fairs in Raanana, and contributing financially to pro-Land of Israel campaigns. He has never been involved in terror activities, and has no criminal record.
"His arrest is an attempt to de-legitimize him and you and me," writes Cities of Israel spokesperson Susie Dym to her email list of pro-Land of Israel supporters. "This is a grave escalation on the part of the Shabak (General Security Service)."
Hirschfeld's "brutal arrest by Israeli intelligence officers," writes a spokesman for the Hevron Jewish Community, "can only be seen as part of Sharon's dictatorial policies, attempting to breed fear and distrust. [We] vehemently protest the obvious beginning of a renewed 'witch hunt' aimed at paralyzing all protests against the planned expulsion of over 9,000 Jews from their homes in Gush Katif and the northern Shomron."
Eight young Jews were arrested last night - three in Jerusalem and five in Bnei Brak - on suspicion that they wished to block roads in protest of the disengagement. Found with tires in their hands, they will be brought before a judge this afternoon. Following previous road-blockings, dozens of Jews were arrested, and some of them were made to remain in jail for up to a week. Close to 100 indictments have been handed down.
Hirschfeld's primary occupation is leading groups to Hevron and Gush Katif, organizing Yesha arts-and-crafts fairs in Raanana, and contributing financially to pro-Land of Israel campaigns. He has never been involved in terror activities, and has no criminal record.
"His arrest is an attempt to de-legitimize him and you and me," writes Cities of Israel spokesperson Susie Dym to her email list of pro-Land of Israel supporters. "This is a grave escalation on the part of the Shabak (General Security Service)."
Hirschfeld's "brutal arrest by Israeli intelligence officers," writes a spokesman for the Hevron Jewish Community, "can only be seen as part of Sharon's dictatorial policies, attempting to breed fear and distrust. [We] vehemently protest the obvious beginning of a renewed 'witch hunt' aimed at paralyzing all protests against the planned expulsion of over 9,000 Jews from their homes in Gush Katif and the northern Shomron."
Eight young Jews were arrested last night - three in Jerusalem and five in Bnei Brak - on suspicion that they wished to block roads in protest of the disengagement. Found with tires in their hands, they will be brought before a judge this afternoon. Following previous road-blockings, dozens of Jews were arrested, and some of them were made to remain in jail for up to a week. Close to 100 indictments have been handed down.