Ultra-Orthodox March for Draft Dodgers Ends in Violence Against Journalists

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis marched in Bnei Brak on Sunday, September 27, to honor 160 individuals recently released from military prison for draft evasion. The event, organized by the Tzeva Shahor (Black Color) party, celebrated the released individuals, referred to as "prisoners of Torah," with a stage and orchestra. Many of those detained had attempted to travel to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah or were apprehended upon their return. The organizers aim to highlight dissatisfaction with ultra-Orthodox parties' failure to secure legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service. The imprisonment has elevated the status of the draft dodgers, even within segments of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community previously indifferent to them. During the march, participants attacked news crews from Channel 12, Channel 13, and Kan 11, leading journalists from the latter two to withdraw from the scene. The article notes a recent lack of targeted operations against draft dodgers due to disagreements between the IDF and police regarding jurisdiction. Knesset members have questioned the IDF about the reported sharp decrease in detentions of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, emphasizing the importance of equal law enforcement for military recruitment and public trust. Ynet reported last week that most of the dozens of draft dodgers currently in custody are Breslov Hasidim, detained at Ben Gurion Airport and other border crossings. The High Court of Justice previously mandated the IDF to ensure equal application of the conscription law.