A decades-old exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from compulsory military service is a deeply divisive issue in Israel.
Exemptions from Israel’s mandatory draft are not made for conscientious objectors.
Not even 2% of Jerusalem Charedim showed up to demonstrate against the draft. The majority of Israeli Charedim do not support this form of protest.
An ultra-Orthodox group is threatening to disrupt operations at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport during the busy Passover holiday week with protests against the drafting of yeshiva students into the army.
JERUSALEM — Thousands of haredi Orthodox men demonstrated against Israel’s military draft in the streets of a Jerusalem neighborhood. The protesters filled the streets of Jerusalem’s Geulah neighborhood, located near the central bus station, on Tuesday evening. The Associated Press put the crowd total at about 10,000. Though the protest was unauthorized, police chose…
Israeli lawmakers approved an amendment that further postpones the mandatory military conscription of haredi Orthodox men and removes the penalties for not enlisting.
Israel Police arrested about 40 haredi Orthodox protesters in the southern city of Ashdod during a demonstration on behalf of four yeshiva students arrested for missing their army induction.
About 500 haredi Orthodox men demonstrated in Jerusalem against the arrest of a yeshiva student who ignored a call-up notice for army service.
Israel’s parliament on Wednesday approved a contentious law that abolishes blanket military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students, ending a tradition upheld since the state’s foundation.
EDITORIAL: Ultra-Orthodox protests against Israel’s draft have brought the issue to our doorstep. Why shouldn’t we stand against all those who undermine the Jewish state’s security?