Thousands of Haredi Jews Protest Israeli Draft in Jerusalem
An Israeli broadcaster reported that the rally was staged to honor draft evaders freshly released from military prison. The march set off from the Geula neighborhood and forced the closure of several streets, the channel said. It added that each of the released men was expected to receive hundreds of shekels at the rally's conclusion.
An Israeli newspaper reported that the men arrived by bus and were welcomed enthusiastically by the crowd.
Some demonstrators carried signs reading “Release the hostages from Prison 10. They will never serve in the enemy army,” while others held placards declaring “We will die rather than enlist.”
The dispute has escalated since Israel's Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are subject to compulsory military service. The court also ordered the suspension of state funding for religious institutions whose students refuse to enlist.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up roughly 14% of Israel's population of more than 10 million. Most oppose conscription, arguing that full-time Torah study should take precedence and that military service threatens their religious way of life.
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