Jewish 'modesty patrols' terrorize Israeli citizens

Increasing amount of moral policing by ultra orthodox Jews has sparked fear among Israeli women. In recent weeks, many women were attacked by modesty squads for not following the Jewish dress code.

Taking a lead from the Islamic fundamentalists, Jewish modesty squad attacks on Women has increased in the recent months in Israel. Several incidents of stone pelting, beating, acid spilling on women have been reported.

In a recent incident a woman was beaten up in an ultra orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood. She was accused of leading an ' indecent ' lifestyle by wearing trousers and meeting men in private. A 14 year old girl was hospitalized in June after acid was spilled over her for wearing pants and a woman was stoned for wearing red blouse telling the color attracted attention.

Israeli-American novelist Naomi Ragen told AP

There are eyes and ears all over the place, very similar to what you hear about in countries like Iran.

Stores that sell MP4 players and cloth stores selling 'provocative' clothes have been vandalized in recent months.

A 17 year girl who was a attacked with pepper spray tells about the ultra orthodox neighborhood she lives in

Zealots there have thrown rocks and spat at women, and set fire to trash bins to protest impiety. Walls of the neighborhood are plastered with signs exhorting women to dress modestly — spelled out as closed-necked, long-sleeved blouses and long skirts.

Although many arrests have been made by authorities in recent months, the government tolerates religious exclusive activities such as subsidizing gender-segregated bus routes that service religious neighborhoods.