MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) was attacked over Shabbat by an Arab in the Shimon Hatzaddik neighborhood of Jerusalem. The Arab woman began pouring water on the head of Ben-Ari and his children. The MK began chasing after the woman, who ran away. Ben-Ari, who spent Shabbat with families in the neighborhood, was threatened by Arabs before Shabbat, and as a result, police stationed several officers outside the home where he and his family were staying. On Saturday night, police left the scene, and Ben-Ari was attacked as he was packing his family into their car. Police were called in and began searching for the culprit, who ran away to her home. No arrests have been made as yet. Commenting on the attack, Ben-Ari said that "today they throw water, tomorrow acid. Police must act with force against the Arabs who have been embittering the lives of Jews in the Shimon Hatzaddik neighborhood." Last week, Ben-Ari toured the neighborhood along with members of the Knesset Interior Committee, and were greeted by rioting Arabs opposed to their visit. The Mks conducted a special prayer for the welfare of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit at the tomb of Shimon Hatzaddik. They also held meetings with residents, and learned firsthand about the ongoing harassment they are forced to undergo at the hands of Arabs and radical leftist anarchists. The Jewish residents of Shimon Hatzaddik are there legally, living in homes owned by Jewish organizations. Jerusalem police commander Aharon Franco said that the riots in the neighborhood began a year ago, when Jews took up actual residence in the area. "Over the years this was a quiet area, and Jews were able to come and pray at the grave of Shimon Hatzaddik. Now that Jews are living here, there are daily protests by Arabs and leftists. We of course provide protection to anyone with legal permits," he said.
