Fervently Orthodox Jews Protest Intel
November 19, 2009 JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Some 2,000 fervently Orthodox Jews protested the Saturday operation of Intel's Jerusalem computer chip plant.
The demonstrators attacked journalists covering the protest, as well as Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Pindrus, of the fervently Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, whom they accuse of selling out to the secular establishment.
The new plant, which employs 150 people, opened Nov. 13.
"This plant will operate in accordance with our business needs and the law, including on Saturdays," Intel spokesman Koby Bahar told Ha'aretz.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat condemned the violence. "I am a staunch supporter of the status quo and co-existence in the capital. Intel has been operating in Jerusalem for the past 24 years under the same format," said the mayor, "I will continue working for the company's success and expansion, and towards bringing additional high-tech companies to the capital."
