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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan | |
| Israel observes Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year | |
| 2017-09-30 | |
| [Ynet] Israel Police, Border Police and IDF forces are deployed throughout the country to prevent recent volatilities from impeding on the religious observance of the country's citizens. Israel's security forces were on high alert Friday ahead of Yom Kippur‐the Jewish holiday of atonement and repentance. Following the attack this week in Har Adar and fearing further hostilities, the IDF will maintain increased presence in the West Bank, with a general blockade imposed on the territories and on the Gazoo Strip until 12:01am Sunday. Exceptions will be made for humanitarian, medical and other outstanding cases, pending the approval of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. In addition, Paleostinian workers will not be allowed to enter Israeli communities in the West Bank for as long as the closure is in effect. Police forces will be deployed throughout the country to ensure the safety of the general public during this holy day. Among other things, there will be increased patrols, with an emphasis on seam areas between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods, as well as increased police and Border Police activity near the holy places and crowded plazas. The police will also reinforce the patrols at various population centers to maintain public order and provide an immediate and available response to any security or criminal situation. Israel Police and Border Police reinforcements and volunteers have been deployed throughout Jerusalem since Thursday afternoon and will remain throughout Yom Kippur to maintain public order and secure the thousands of Jews expected to reach the Western Wall plaza to pray. Prior to the holiday, the police set up checkpoints on the main roads to prevent the movement of vehicles from east Jerusalem neighborhoods to the west of the city. Police and Border Police will be stationed near the checkpoints to prevent their removal and will be deployed in the area to prevent stone throwing and other disturbances.
As sundown approached all local radio and television broadcasts gradually fell silent. For the Magen David Adom Rescue service, Yom Kippur is one of the busiest days of the year with hundreds of extra medics, paramedics, ambulances and volunteers deployed across the country. Most injuries over Yom Kippur come from accidents on the roads as tens of thousands of children and teens take advantage of the deserted streets to ride their bicycles. Other common Yom Kippur injuries are caused by parents leaving children unattended outside synagogues and, of course, dehydration and complications from fasting. However, the weather this year is expected to be relatively mild, with even some light rain expected in the north. The closure is a routine procedure during Israeli and Jewish holidays. | |
| Posted by:trailing wife |