Violence and rioting occurred in Acre

Violence and low-level rioting occurred in the city of Acre (located approximately 60 mi/98 km from Tel Aviv) during the overnight hours of 8-9 October 2008, after a group of youths attacked an Israeli Arab man who was driving his vehicle on a busy commercial thoroughfare. The incident occurred at approximately 0000 local time (2200 UTC) on 8 October. Jews are currently celebrating the Yom Kippur holiday, during which Israel largely shuts down; many observant Jews consider driving a prohibited activity on this day. The attackers alleged that the Israeli Arab man was "making noise intentionally" and attacked his vehicle. The victim claimed that he was driving to a property he owned and was not causing intentional disruption. Following reports of the attack, hundreds of people rioted on Ben Ami Street, damaging vehicles and property until being dispersed by Israeli security forces.