"The Police did nothing"
Eyewitness blames police for deadly fall at Haredi Rally
The massive rally ended on a bitter note of a terrible disaster in tragic circumstances, with the declaration of death of Menachem Mendel Litzman, 20, who was killed after falling from the "Marom" tower under construction in the compound of the mass anti-draft rally in Jerusalem.
A 20-year-old Haredi man, Menachem Mendel Litzman, was killed Thursday evening after falling approximately 11 stories from the under-construction "Marom" tower during a massive anti-conscription rally at the entrance to Jerusalem. The rally, estimated at 200,000–300,000 participants, ended in chaos after the fatality was confirmed. MDA paramedics pronounced Litzman dead at the scene.
Throughout the event, hundreds of youths climbed cranes, scaffolding, and unfinished buildings to gain vantage points. Social media footage showed individuals on construction elevators reaching the 20th floor. Construction workers reportedly warned climbers, but were overwhelmed by numbers.
Eyewitnesses accused police of inaction: "No officer tried to stop us," one told Ynet. "Police saw youths entering the site via the elevator and did nothing," said another. Organizers used loudspeakers to demand dispersal only after the fall.
Police rejected claims of negligence, stating:
An hour before the incident, police received specific reports of "life-threatening" activity at the site.
Aftermath
Clashes erupted post-fall, with protesters hurling stones and bottles. One officer drew his weapon in the air after a colleague was struck. Police have launched a full investigation, including the possibility of suicide. The Jerusalem District approved rally security plans; no higher-level intervention occurred despite visible hazards.