Ultra-Orthodox extremists escalated tensions today by deploying tear gas against the Karlin Rebbe and his followers as he left his grandson's celebratory event in Jerusalem's Geula neighborhood. The unprecedented attack occurred amid growing protests over the Hasidic sect's discussions with the IDF.
Dozens of radical protesters gathered outside the Karlin synagogue on Avinodav Yelin Street, where the Rebbe was attending his grandson's post-wedding celebration. The situation turned violent when the Rebbe attempted to leave, with extremists attacking followers and deploying tear gas. Emergency medical teams treated those affected, while police were notably absent from the scene.
Tensions escalated when members of the Sikrikim group began publicly using the Grand Rabbi (Admor) of Karlin's private first name, an act considered deeply disrespectful in Hasidic culture. The provocative act, framed as a protest against the Karlin leadership, prompted Karlin Hasidim to respond forcefully, resulting in physical altercations between the two groups.
