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Photo:
Right-wing extremists interrupting the performance by the Armenian Church Choir in Jerusalem, September 22, 2016. Credit: Amnon Ramon
Published by Haaretz
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Two members of anti-assimilationst group Lehava arrested, including leader Bentzi Gopstein, after trouble flares during song by Armenian Church Choir.

by Nir Hasson for Haaretz

Right-wing extremists rioted during a performance by a Christian choir at a contemporary arts event in Jerusalem on Thursday. The police arrested two members of the anti-assimilationist Lehava organization, including its leader, Bentzi Gopstein.

Dozens of extremists infiltrated the Manofim contemporary arts festival event, being held in the Clal Center mall, and clashed with attendees. The event was the finale of Manofim’s ninth annual festival. Organizers had wanted to take advantage of the circular shape of the Clal Center interior, one of the oldest commercial centers in Jerusalem.

Various choirs performed on the ground floor during the evening while hundreds of people stood on the floors above to watch.

The right-wing demonstration erupted during the performance by the city’s Armenian Church Choir. An eyewitness said the disruption started when the choir began singing, and that it took a long time for the police to arrive.

Meanwhile, Gopstein and other activists allegedly shouted at the choir, “Christians!”, “Go to Syria!”, “Jew murderers!” and more. The choir was forced to stop performing after one song.

Following the event, security guards and police blocked the entrance, and several Lehava members gathered in front of the building and protested that they were not allowed to go inside.