In recent nights, Jerusalem has made headlines once again – not just over the ultra-Orthodox draft law, but over a foul stench that refuses to fade. Near the city’s entrance and in several ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, residents have been waking up to a powerful odor – not ideological, but chemical: skunk water, used by police to disperse protests
Police under fire – and under threat
According to the Jerusalem District Police, recent demonstrations in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh involved stone-throwing, setting trash bins on fire, and attempts to block roads. “The riots included the throwing of stones and objects at officers, fires set in bins used to block roads, and lawbreakers disturbing public order – including many children,” the police stated. One officer was lightly injured in Beit Shemesh
Police stressed that only after giving dispersal orders did they begin using riot control measures. These included the deployment of a water cannon spraying skunk liquid in populated areas
“Israel Police condemns the violent attempts to harm officers and will continue to act against such disorder,” the statement added
City hall fights back
The municipality of Jerusalem issued a harsh letter to the Chief of Police and the District Commander, demanding an immediate halt to the use of skunk spray in residential areas
“The use of this means is unreasonable, disproportionate, and causes serious harm to innocent civilians – including children, the elderly, and uninvolved residents,” wrote the municipality’s legal advisor. The letter also noted that “millions of shekels in damages” were caused to city services and that cleaning efforts have failed to eliminate the stench
“Jerusalem Municipality sees the continued use of this method as a serious offense to the residents’ quality of life and health,” the letter said, warning that if the practice continues, the city will take “all legal measures” to stop it
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Meanwhile, residents remain caught in the middle. “My children refuse to go outside – not because of protests, but because of the smell,” said one man living near Givat Shaul
In Jerusalem, where every local dispute echoes on a global scale, even the stink has meaning
