The religious community of Jerusalem took to the streets on Monday, January 1, 2018 and tried to prevent police from taking the body of a 20-year-old man for forensic testing. Protesters feared that an autopsy would be done, in violation of Jewish law. Eventually, police managed to smuggle the body into an ambulance and remove it from the scene under the guise of a medical emergency.

Meanwhile, officers used excessive force and cruelty against the demonstrators.

Activists note that in most countries, law enforcement respects religious beliefs and will waive routine autopsies in cases when the family is opposed. This story is yet another example of how the State of Israel, while calling itself a Jewish state, shows less respect for Judaism than other governments.