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Nobody should be surprised by the violent rioting that erupted throughout Bnei Brak this week over the fact that two women soldiers entered the city. Among other things, the rioters overturned a police patrol car, torched a police motorcycle, blocked roads and threw stones. In a democracy, holding demonstrations – even if they sometimes disturb the peace – is an act of legitimate protest intended to influence government policy. But the actions of the ultra-Orthodox mob don't appear to be intended as an effort to participate in decision-making processes or a display of civic involvement. Rather, the ultra-Orthodox are seeking to evade their obligations and deny that the state's laws and authority apply to them.
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