Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews participated in mass prayer services in Jerusalem on Friday night in protest of Sabbath desecration, particularly the opening of a new movie theater complex in the city, which will remain open on Friday nights and Saturdays.

Clashes ensued between demonstrators in the Romema neighborhood, near the central bus station, and Israel Police officers. The protests were held simultaneously on Hanevi'im street in Jerusalem, as well as in Romema.

One woman became trapped amidst the demonstration after mistakenly driving her vehicle into the area, and was later rescued by police. No injuries or damage were reported.

On Tuesday the Yes Planet cinema complex opened in the city’s southern Abu Tor neighborhood. The multiplex’s 16 screens will join dozens more – plus more than 200 other businesses, restaurants, coffeehouses, clubs and pubs – that open in the capital on the Sabbath.