An increasingly large, vocal and violent group of religious dudes are menacing men and women throughout Jerusalem who they say do not meet appropriate standards of modesty according to Jewish law.
Cases range from divorced women being beaten up for associating with single men, to groups of American Yeshiva students assaulted with tear gas for allegedly showing porno films in their home, to a young girl having acid thrown on her face for wearing “immodest clothing”.
The rogue reverent even attacked an electronics store for selling MP3 players deemed “unKosher” by these religious thugs because they exposed listeners to “inappropriate” lyrics. And in a nearby town pounced upon a recent immigrant from the US who had protested the increasing presence of the modesty-watchers in his community.
The “squads” have been operating in Jerusalem for some time now, but have recently began to encroach on city districts previously considered more liberal and open-minded. And although Jerusalem police have arrested Squad members accused of violence, their supporters have literally rioted in their defense, hurling rocks at officers and lighting their cars on fire.
The Squad members insist they actually should be applauded instead of derided — as they’re upholding community virtue and guaranteeing the sanctity of their members. And leaders say they actually enjoy the support of local police – who’ve quietly tolerated their presence since Israel’s founding more than 50 years ago.
Despite this worrisome increase in violence and possible cop collusion, we hope the police step up their crack down on “Chastity Squad” member who — much like their Iranian and Saudi counterparts — clearly seek an entire Middle East where theocracy replaces democracy.