Traffic chaos is expected in Jerusalem this afternoon due to the scheduled mass demonstration by Haredim (Ultra-Orthodox) opposed to the government’s proposed military draft law.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters make their way to a rally against the military draft bill, March 2, 2014.- Photo: Emil Salman

Jerusalem Police expect hundreds of thousands to attend the demonstration, which will take place in the area of the Bridge of Strings, at the main entrance to Jerusalem, and in the roads leading to it. Some 2,000 buses will bring demonstrators from outside the capital.

Some 3,500 police officers, border policemen and volunteers will secure the demonstration, according to Jerusalem District police chief Maj. Gen. Yossi Pariente.

Road closures

Highway 1 in the direction of the capital will be closed from 12:30 P.M. to heavy vehicles from the Ben Shemen interchange and from 1:45 P.M. to all vehicles.

From 2 P.M., most of the main roads in the area of the entrance to the city and its northern suburbs will be closed.

Among the roads closed will be Yermiyahu, Bar Ilan, Sarei Yisrael, Shazar Boulevard, Weizman, Sakharov Gardens in the direction of Shazar Boulevard, Ben Zvi Boulevard until the Rupin interchange, Rabin Street from Ben Zvi until Herzl Boulevard and Herzl from Wolfson to Shazar Boulevard.

Public transport in the capital, including the light rail, will operate sporadically at best.

Schools in Jerusalem will be open as usual, the municipality announced, with the exception of three schools in the area of the demonstration which will close at 1 P.M.

Police have called on the city’s residents to accept the disruptions calmly and avoid approaching the area of the demonstration in private vehicles.

View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.577376