DOJI — Defenders of Orthodox Jews in Israel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Serious concerns and calls for full accountability have been raised following reports and video footage documenting Israeli police using excessive force against peaceful Jewish protesters on Thursday night, 29 October 2026, at the Geha Junction on Highway 4.
According to eye-witness accounts and video footage of the incident, police deployed stun grenades directly at protesters seated on a highway and repeatedly struck individuals with batons, leaving multiple people injured and bloodied on the roadway. More than 30 individuals reportedly required medical treatment following the dispersion, including a young man with special needs who suffered an injury to his foot from a stun grenade.
Video captured at the scene shows an officer continuing to strike a protester lying on the ground as the victim screams, "You don't even let me get up!"
"A government that demands the world's attention to Jewish suffering cannot look away when its own law enforcement causes it," said a spokesperson for DOJI — Defenders of Orthodox Jews in Israel. "Israel rightfully demands that foreign nations investigate every incident of anti-Jewish violence, punish offenders, and meet high standards of accountability. Israel must apply those exact same standards within its own borders."
DOJI is calling on Israeli authorities to address the following critical questions:
- Command Responsibility: Who authorized the deployment of stun grenades against non-violent, seated protesters?
- Officer Accountability: Which officers were involved in beating protesters to the point of severe injury and bleeding?
- Legal Oversight: Will an independent investigation be opened to hold officers accountable, or will these actions go unpunished?
If such violence against Jewish citizens had taken place in any other country, it would draw immediate and vocal condemnation. Authorities must hold their own forces to the same rigorous standard of justice and protection.
Evidence
Photos, video footage and the spent stun grenades are available for the press: Open the evidence folder (Google Drive)
A full report with photographs, media coverage and sources: Download the full report (PDF, 8 pages)
Media coverage of the protest
- JDN: https://www.jdn.co.il/j_world/2757296/
- Emess: https://www.emess.co.il/radio/1952817
- Emess: https://www.emess.co.il/radio/1952823
- Kikar HaShabbat: https://www.kikar.co.il/haredim-news/peleg-yerushalmi-protest-bnei-brak-1
- The Yeshiva World: https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/liveblogs/live-blog/2616782/
- Matzav: https://matzav.com/police-brutality-outrage-ben-gvir-blasts-police-chief-over-violent-crackdown-on-chareidi-protesters-as-shas-demands-immediate-investigation/
- Ynet: https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bkgef6x6ze
About DOJI
DOJI — Defenders of Orthodox Jews in Israel — was founded to defend the rights of Orthodox Jews in Israel. The organization documents violations of religious freedom and human rights against civilians and peaceful protesters, distributes the material to news agencies, governments and international human rights bodies, and builds a documented legal case to bring these violations before the appropriate authorities.
Media Contact
DOJI — Defenders of Orthodox Jews in Israel
Website: dooji.org
Email: press@dooji.org
Phone: 855-200-3654