Dr. Valerie Shoshan, the chief medical officer of the Israel Police and the mother of a soldier who was killed in Gaza, was rescued by police officers Monday evening after protesters surrounded her vehicle during anti-draft demonstrations in Yerushalayim.

According to video footage from the scene, demonstrators encircled Dr. Shoshan’s car, shook it violently, and attempted to reach her while she remained inside. Police forces quickly intervened and extracted her from the area before the confrontation escalated further.

Reports indicated that Dr. Shoshan is the mother of Reserve Staff Sergeant Elisaf Shoshan Hy”d, who was killed during combat operations in Gaza in December 2023 at the age of 23.

The attack drew widespread condemnation, particularly in light of her senior position within the police force and the tremendous personal sacrifice her family made during the war.

The incident took place amid a series of anti-draft protests that erupted across the country on Monday, resulting in major traffic disruptions, clashes with police, and the closure of key transportation routes.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., demonstrators arrived near the Ganot Interchange and blocked Route 4 in both directions. Police officers worked to clear the roadway after protesters allegedly ignored instructions to disperse. A police commander on the scene declared the gathering an unlawful demonstration before crowd-control measures were employed.

Meanwhile, protesters also blocked the entrance to Yerushalayim near the Chords Bridge, and later shut down sections of Begin Boulevard. Demonstrators obstructed traffic lanes, vehicles, and portions of the light rail route, causing significant transportation delays throughout the capital.

Additional protest activity was reported in Tzfas, Pisgat Ze’ev, and several locations in southern Israel. In Pisgat Ze’ev, dozens of demonstrators gathered near the home of Traffic Division Commander ניצב Chaim Shmueli. Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Similar road blockages were reported elsewhere in the country.

During the unrest, a pedestrian was struck by a motorcycle near the demonstration on Route 4 close to the Ganot Interchange. Magen David Adom emergency personnel treated the victim before transporting him to Sheba Medical Center. The man, approximately 25 years old, was reported to be in serious condition but conscious, suffering injuries to his head and limbs.

{Matzav.com}