Menachem Porush, a veteran Knesset member of the Aguda Israel party, was beaten senseless by a group of Hasidim in a synagogue last night. He was rushed to Bikur Holim Hospital for treatment of bruises and concussion and later transferred to the Hadassah Medical Center for an encephalogram. Doctors described his condition today as “fair.”
Premier Yitzhak Shamir angrily condemned the attack on the 68 year-old MK which he called “criminal and shocking.” He sent a telegram to Porush wishing him a speedy recovery.
Porush’s assailants were described as disciples of the Gerrer Rebbe, leader of a Hasidic sect that originated in Lithuania. Their motive apparently was a dispute between Porush and the Rebbe over Porush’s decision to stand for re-election to the Knesset in July which is opposed by the Gerrer Hasidim.
They were said to have been aroused by an article in Haaretz last Friday which contained certain remarks about the Rebbe believed to have originated with Porush. Dozens of Hasidim stormed the MK’s “Merkaz” hotel, found him alone in the synagogue and began beating him. Relatives and employes summoned by his outcries were unable to rescue Porush. His attackers left only after Porush lay unconscious on the synagogue floor.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
