Thousands March in Jerusalem to Support Draft Dodgers, Organizers Offer Cash

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

A similar, though more overtly political, march 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 stated their hope for a peaceful demonstration and emphasized their opposition to violence.

The Bnei Brak march, which featured street dancing, served as the launch event for a new Haredi protest party called "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Flag). This party's primary platform is exemption from military service for Haredim, targeting Haredi voters disillusioned with established parties' inability to secure such exemptions. The party initially concealed the political nature of the event to avoid interference from authorities or established Haredi leadership.

Opposition figures reacted strongly to the marches. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the government, stating that if elected, he would halt state funding for those who evade military service. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, shared footage of the march, calling it a "march of shame" under Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, which he accused of promoting draft evasion and neglecting national security by failing to apprehend draft dodgers.