Thousands March in Jerusalem to Honor Draft Dodgers, Participants to Receive Funds

Thousands participated in a large procession in Jerusalem on Tuesday, organized to honor Haredi draft dodgers recently released from military prison. The march began in the Geula neighborhood, leading to the closure of several streets. Organizers announced that participants would receive several hundred shekels each at the conclusion of the event.

A similar, though more overtly political, procession took place in Bnei Brak on Sunday. The Jerusalem event is reportedly backed by extremist Haredi factions, including the Jerusalem Faction and the Zealots. Organizers have emphasized their opposition to violence and expressed hope for a peaceful demonstration.

The Bnei Brak march earlier in the week featured street dancing and marked the launch of a new Haredi protest party called "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Flag). This party's central platform is exemption from military service for Haredim, aiming to attract Haredi voters disillusioned with established Haredi parties that have failed to secure such exemptions.

"Tzeva Shachor" reportedly concealed the political nature of the Bnei Brak event to avoid interference from authorities or established Haredi leadership. Upon its commencement, organizers revealed it as their launch event, aiming to garner tens of thousands of votes from disaffected Haredim.

Opposition leaders reacted strongly to the marches. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the government, stating that if elected, he would stop the practice of providing state funds to those who evade military service. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, posted footage of the Jerusalem march, calling it a "march of shame" under Prime Minister Netanyahu's "government of evasion" and asserting that such a government, which neglects security and fails to apprehend draft dodgers, is unfit to lead.