Ultra-Orthodox Edah HaChareidis Calls for Jerusalem Protests Against Military Draft

The Edah HaChareidis rabbinical court has issued a letter titled "Young Men Taken Captive," urging the ultra-Orthodox community to protest in Jerusalem on Sunday against the conscription of Haredi youth into the Israel Defense Forces. The letter warns of serious consequences from enlistment and states that, given the enforcement measures being advanced by military and law enforcement authorities, their only recourse is to vocally oppose the draft. It calls on yeshiva students and community activists to participate in the demonstrations "according to Torah law." Furthermore, the letter instructs local activists to directly engage with young men to dissuade them from enlisting, cautioning them not to fall into a situation from which there is no return. The Edah HaChareidis leadership emphasized that the public struggle against the draft will not end with Sunday’s protests but will intensify during the upcoming period of penitential days and preparations for Rosh Hashanah. The letter concludes with a prayer expressing hope that steadfast defense of tradition will lead to the removal of the draft decrees and the arrival of a righteous redeemer.