Tensions between authorities and ultra-Orthodox Jews, who make up a third of Jerusalem's residents, have been high since voters replaced an ultra-Orthodox mayor with a secular candidate in a November, 2008 election.
During several weeks, on summer 2009, ultra-Orthodox Jews and authorities have clashed repeatedly over a decision by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to open a municipal parking lot on the Sabbath. Ultra-Orthodox Jews oppose the idea because driving is forbidden on the Sabbath
On Summer 2009 Jerusalem municipality decided that Old City's Karta parking lot will be open on Sabbath. Ultra-Orthodox protesters have converged on the Karta parking garage every week since the Jerusalem municipality's decision. The protesters have scuffled with police and some have thrown themselves in front of vehicles to try to prevent them from driving. Hundreds of protesters have been gathering in Jerusalem on a weekly basis in the Haredi neighborhood of Meah Shearim and in front of Karta parking lot to protest the municipality's decision to open the parking lot.
On July,2009 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed for several days with police using horses and water cannon in Jerusalem, rioting over the arrest of a mentally ill Hasidic woman who authorities said was starving her child.
During the riots protesters smoldered trash cans and littered Jerusalem streets. Security forces armed with water cannons and backed by mounted units battled protesters hurling bricks and bottles and blocking main thoroughfares with piles of garbage.
On November 2009 masses of angry Ultra Orthodox Jews demonstrated at the Jerusalem factory of computer giant Intel,to protest the electronic chip maker's operations on the Sabbath. Chanting the Yiddish word for Sabbath, they charged that work is forbidden on the holy day of rest according to the Bible and called on the company to stay closed on Saturdays.
The unrest points to the deep divisions between the secular majority in Israel and the ultra-Orthodox minority.