Ultra-Orthodox March Celebrates Draft Dodgers Freed From Military Prison

Thousands gathered in Bnei Brak on Sunday, September 27, to honor 160 individuals recently released from military prison after being detained for evading mandatory military service. The marchers hailed the draft dodgers as heroes, referring to them as "prisoners of the Torah." Many of those detained had attempted to travel to Uman, Ukraine, to observe Rosh Hashanah at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, or were apprehended upon their return to Israel.

The event was organized by the Tzeva Shahor (Black Color) party, aiming to highlight dissatisfaction with ultra-Orthodox parties' failure to secure legislation exempting yeshiva students from military conscription. The detentions have elevated the status of these individuals, even within segments of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community that previously showed little interest in them.

During the procession, participants reportedly attacked news crews from Channel 12, Channel 13, and the Kan 11 public broadcaster. Journalists from Kan 11 and Channel 13 subsequently left the scene.

Political reactions were swift. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, commented, "Without them, Bibi has no government. Soon their march will take place at a training base." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett linked the march to upcoming elections, accusing Aryeh Deri of intending to continue diverting funds to draft evaders and promising to cease state benefits for those who do not serve.

Recent reports indicate that most of the dozens of draft evaders currently in custody are Breslov Hasidim, apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport and other border crossings. These detentions followed a High Court of Justice ruling mandating equal enforcement of the draft law.

The military attributes the cessation of targeted detentions partly to a lack of police cooperation, as military police cannot operate in civilian areas without it. The police, however, state that draft enforcement is the military police's responsibility. Knesset members have also inquired about the apparent halt in detentions of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, with some lawmakers noting a significant reduction in arrests and emphasizing the importance of equal law enforcement for army recruitment and public trust.