http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=2392
By Daphna Berman, Haaretz Correspondent
An American immigrant was attacked and beaten Sunday night in Beit Shemesh by a gang of ultra-Orthodox zealots, in what appears to be an escalation of tension between religious groups in the city.
T., who is himself ultra-Orthodox, was kicked, beaten and threatened with further violence in an attack that landed him in the hospital. T.’s car windows were also smashed. T., who asked to go unnamed, has been active in trying to stem the recent tide of Haredi violence in the city.
“A bunch of goons, maybe 20 or 30 guys, attacked me – it was like a pogrom,” he told Haaretz. “They kicked me, beat me, and then just left me there. Luckily, I am a strong guy and was able to get up and go to the hospital.”In response, residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet, a Haredi stronghold in the city, held a protest Monday night. This was the first time ultra-Orthodox residents came out strongly against fringe elements from within their own community.
“My attackers thought they won, but there is a procession in my support,” said T., who was born in New York.
http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/946830.html