Hundreds Honor Draft Dodgers in Bnei Brak Amidst Political Controversy

Hundreds of people gathered in Bnei Brak on Sunday evening for a procession honoring 160 draft dodgers, referred to as "Torah prisoners," who were recently arrested and subsequently released from military prison. The arrests were not part of proactive enforcement actions, as such operations have reportedly ceased by the IDF and police in recent months. Many of those arrested had attempted to leave the country to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman for Rosh Hashanah, or were apprehended upon their return.

The event featured a stage with an orchestra playing in honor of the dodgers, who were reportedly received with great respect, particularly by the Lithuanian Haredi public, a group not typically associated with them. The procession was organized by the "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color) party, aiming to highlight public frustration with Haredi parties for failing to advance a conscription exemption law during their tenure.

During the procession, media crews from Channel 12, Channel 13, and Kan 11 were reportedly attacked by groups of protesters, leading Channel 13 and Kan 11 to leave the scene. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the event, stating that if elected, he would stop state funding for those who do not enlist. MK Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu commented that Prime Minister Netanyahu's government relies on these individuals and suggested they would soon be in military training.

Recent reports indicated that a significant portion of those currently imprisoned are Breslov Hasidim arrested at Ben Gurion Airport or border crossings, often after returning from Uman. These arrests were carried out by police at the airport. The High Court of Justice has ordered the IDF to enforce conscription equally, but IDF sources cited a lack of cooperation from the police as a reason for the halt in enforcement activities in civilian areas.

The Israel Police, however, stated that enforcing conscription is the responsibility of the Military Police. Knesset members from parties opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu have expressed concern over the lack of enforcement and the perceived disregard for the High Court's ruling. They have written to the IDF requesting clarification on the matter, emphasizing that equal and effective service enforcement is crucial for the IDF's operational capacity and fairness to enlisted and reserve soldiers.