Arad Rally Calls for Calm After Gur-Secular Clashes

Arad residents prepared a Thursday rally after weeks of clashes around the city's Gur Hasidic community, including a brawl tied to anti-draft protest convoys and the arrest of four residents. Organizers accuse local authorities of selective enforcement, and Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Wolkowitz urged Gur Hasidim to avoid provocation, turn to police after harassment or assault and increase Torah study, prayer and love of Israel. Police and Border Guard forces restored order during the earlier clash. The lesson should be Israeli and Jewish: settle municipal disputes through lawful policing, transparent city governance and respect for Torah observance and every law-abiding resident.