Clashes between Arabs and Jews erupted in the northern city of Acre on Thursday evening, after an Arab motorist entered a predominantly Jewish area during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement.
Police were trying to disperse rioters with water hoses and the chief of police was on his way to the Acre station, according to Israeli Channel 2.
Police source said that six Arab rioters were arrested and dozens of cars and shops were damaged.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called on Acre residents Thursday evening to make every effort to calm the tensions.
"We must safeguard the ability to live together in those cities," he was quoted by the website of local daily Yedioth Ahronoth as saying. Olmert stressed that coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel is of great importance, particularly in mixed cities.
The clashes reportedly erupted after an Arab resident of Acre's Old City entered the Ben Gurion neighborhood on Wednesday evening, the eve of Yom Kippur, when observant Jews fast, pray for forgiveness of their sins and abstain from most activities, including driving.
The Arab man claimed that he was simply on his way home. But Jewish youths at the scene accused him of deliberately making excessive noise and smoking.
The incident deteriorated immediately as dozens of cars and some 30 shops were vandalized. Three people, including the Arab motorist and a police officer, sustained slight injuries.
The police have closed off the entrances and exits to the city due to the riots.
Source: Xinhua
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