Ultra-Orthodox MK’s front door damaged, glued shut

The front door of MK Moshe Gafni’s home was damaged and sealed shut early Tuesday in an attack attributed to vandals protesting his opposition to violent demonstrations against a draft of ultra-Orthodox men.

Gafni, from the United Torah Judaism party, lives in an apartment building in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak.

The arrest and imprisonment of ultra-Orthodox men who fail to show up at the induction office to receive exemptions, to which they are entitled, has raised tensions in the community. Recent demonstrations have seen violent clashes between protesters and police.

Graffiti reading “Moshe Gafni, if you go to the army then you are like a dog” was also found spray-painted on a road barrier near the building, the Hebrew-language Walla news site reported.

Police said the cylinder of the door lock was damaged and strong glue was spread around the doorpost, sticking it shut. A police locksmith was called in to open the door for Gafni.

“There is no doubt that it is unpleasant and troubling, mostly to the family,” Gafni said in a statement. “But we have dealt with slightly more difficult things than glue on the door. With God’s help, we will overcome this too.”

Police who arrived at the scene also checked Gafni’s car, and a security camera was installed, the Ynet news site reported.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.