Jerusalem parking lot sparks clashes

JERUSALEM, June 26 (UPI) -- A decision to open a Jerusalem parking lot on the Sabbath drew thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews to the streets in protest, just as the Sabbath kicked in.

On Friday evening, scores of demonstrators gathered outside the disputed parking lot near Mayor Nir Barkat's office in downtown Jerusalem and held a prayer vigil, while thousands gathered on one of the city's main highways, local media reports said.

Protesters called on the mayor to reverse his decision, while others vented their anger on members of the press covering the event, spitting at them and attacking them, Israel television Channel One said. Police were forced to escort photographers and reporters to a safer distance in a nearby side road to avoid confrontation, the television station reported.

Residents of Jerusalem who support the opening of the car park on weekends intend to hold a counter demonstration Saturday evening. "We call on all city residents, secular or religious, who care about Jerusalem's character and its future ... to come and show their support," Mirav Cohen, one of the organizers, told the Maariv newspaper.

Police officials told the newspaper a high security presence will be maintained in the city throughout the Sabbath with officers prepared and ready to deal with all eventualities.

Two weeks ago, Barkat decided to close the municipality car park temporarily, after violent clashes erupted between members of the ultra orthodox communities and police.

On Thursday the capital's district court agreed to the city's request to open a parking lot near the entrance to the Old City, instead of the municipality car park that generated the conflict, The Jerusalem Post reported.