Jerusalem - Thousands Of Charedim Protest Over Authority Oversight On Tomb Of Simeon Bar Yochai

The Eda Charedit held a demonstration against the government's plan to expropriate the Miron compound December 18, 2011.

Jerusalem - Thousands of haredim took part in a demonstration in Jerusalem’s Shabbat Square Sunday night to protest a decision to establish a state authority which will be responsible for the tomb of Simeon bar Yochai in Mount Meron. Among the protesters were prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis and leaders.

The mass rally was fairy calm until dozens began to target passing vehicles in the Mea Shearim neighborhood.

The rioters tried to attack Egged buses and hurled stones at a police cruiser.

A Jerusalem police force eventually arrested five of the rioters. Leaders of the Eda Haredit condemned the riots at the end of the rally, stressing they were part of a fringe group.

Earlier this month, the government received a bill by the Tourism Ministry for the establishment of a new governmental authority which will be in charge of Simeon bar Yochai’s tomb. Members of the Eda Haredit are opposed to what they describe as a “Zionist takeover” of the holy site.