An Anarchist and Arab Disturbance at the Ramy Levy Market. Photo: Tazpit News Agency.

Some 80 left-wing anarchists and Arabs barged into the Ramy-Levy supermarket at Sha’ar Benyamin yesterday, protesting alleged land issues. Sha’ar Benyamin is situated north of Jerusalem. They entered the market, carrying Palestinian flags and harassed the customers, chanting “Free Palestine”. Many of the customers and workers fled to seek shelter, fearing for their lives. The protesters were closely accompanied by members of the press.

The police and IDF dispersed the rioters using stun grenades. One Arab was lightly wounded and was evacuated by the Red Crescent.

Judea and Samaria police stated that four protesters were arrested, two foreign anarchists and two Arabs.

Sharon, who owns a store near Ramy Levy, told Tazpit News Agency what she saw: “I heard noise outside my store; I went out and saw many demonstrators at the entrance to the Ramy Levy market. Some had already gotten in. I saw Israelis, foreigners and Arabs. The police and army immediately arrived and began to move the crowd away from the store. Then the violence broke out, and the army had to use many stun grenades to get the crowd away. At some point, one of the demonstrators, an Arab, began to attack me and yell at me because I tried to take his picture. Then the police moved me away from the scene to ensure my safety.”

It is of significance to note that the supermarket serves Israelis as well as Arabs, and Arabs are employed there.

A video of the incident can be viewed below.