Ultra-Orthodox protests erupt in Jerusalem and near Prison 10 after Netivot arrest

Ultra-Orthodox protests were held Thursday in Jerusalem and near Prison 10, in response to the arrest earlier this week of a young man from Netivot who was accused of draft evasion. In a Shas rally, Knesset members Michael Malkieli and Yonatan Mishriki also took part.

Because of the demonstration near Mount Herzl, and on police instructions, light rail service was suspended between the Central Bus Station and Mount Herzl station. The affected section was blocked, and the light rail was running only partially.

Separately, the organization Hay Olam and the Be'er HaTalmud yeshivas announced the schedule for an evening protest vigil outside Prison 10 on behalf of Aviel Cohen, described in the notice as a long-term prisoner for Torah study and a yeshiva alumnus. The gathering is set for 7:00 p.m., followed by Psalms and penitential prayers at 7:30 p.m., a main address at 8:00 p.m. by Rabbi Yehuda Cohen, a member of the Council of Torah Sages, more words of encouragement by Rabbi Hanoch Cohen, and evening prayers at 8:30 p.m.

The article also noted that on Wednesday, during another ultra-Orthodox protest, a female police officer was injured while police tried to clear an illegal blockade on Route 4 near Bnei Brak. Police said protesters violently resisted attempts to move them, and one 26-year-old suspect from Bnei Brak was arrested, remanded, and had his detention extended by one day at a Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court hearing on Thursday morning.