Thousands of people gathered in the streets of occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday night to show support for ultra-Orthodox Jews who evaded military service and were recently released from prison. The event was organized by groups opposed to conscription, who promised to pay those who served time for not joining the Israeli army. The procession started in the Gilo neighborhood and attracted a large crowd, with several streets closed due to the gathering.
Around 50 former prisoners attended the event, out of 100 who were invited, and are expected to receive several hundred shekels each, approximately $310. The funds came from abroad, according to reports. Children who attended the event received gift bags with a message praising the draft dodgers for their commitment to their faith. Some protesters carried signs comparing the ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers to hostages, calling for their release.
The event was organized by ultra-Orthodox groups opposed to conscription, including the Jerusalem faction and other anti-draft activists. The groups claimed they were against violence and hoped the event would pass peacefully. The procession was coordinated with the police, but no police officers were visible among the participants. The event took place just a month before the general elections scheduled for October 27.
The Jerusalem event followed a similar gathering in Bnei Brak two days earlier, which honored 160 ultra-Orthodox Jews who were released from prison for evading military service. That event was organized by the newly registered ultra-Orthodox party, KOLOR BLAK, which made securing exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men a central issue in its platform.
Many of those honored in Bnei Brak were arrested at Ben Gurion Airport or other border crossings while traveling to or from Ukraine for the annual pilgrimage to Uman. Some groups of participants attacked reporters covering the event, forcing them to leave. The incidents highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding the application of the law against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers.
The Israeli military and police have effectively halted proactive arrest operations against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers after months of anti-conscription protests disrupted work. However, the military and police continue to cooperate on arrests at border crossings. According to the Attorney General's office, ultra-Orthodox men make up over 80% of draft dodgers in Israel, despite accounting for only around 14% of the population.
The issue remains a contentious one in Israel, with politicians and activists on both sides weighing in. While some have criticized the government's handling of the issue, others have called for stricter enforcement of conscription laws. The controversy is likely to continue, with the ultra-Orthodox community maintaining that military service is not compatible with their way of life.
Key points
- Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel evade military service, sparking controversy and protests
- Israeli government and military struggle to enforce conscription laws against ultra-Orthodox community
- Events in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak highlight divisions within Israeli society over draft dodging issue
