Overview
- Menachem Cohen, a Chabad member, set up a tefillin stand in Haifa to honor his brother, Sgt. Shneur Zalman Cohen, who was killed in the Gaza war.
- Municipal inspectors arrived followed by several police and municipal vehicles, Cohen was detained briefly, and the stand and memorial sign were confiscated.
- Cohen and supporters allege he was physically assaulted during the detention and say his release came after public pressure, claims police have not confirmed.
- The Israel Police say the action was unrelated to the tefillin stand, citing a noise violation and heated behavior toward inspectors, and note he was released after minutes.
- Chabad representatives say tefillin stands have operated in Haifa for decades without trouble and call for a municipal apology and coordination going forward.