Jerusalem March Honors Draft Dodgers Released From Military Prison

Hundreds of people participated in a large march in Jerusalem on Tuesday to honor Haredi draft dodgers recently released from military prison. The marchers were welcomed as heroes, culminating in a rally at Kikar HaShabbat. Organizers plan to give each of the released dodgers a grant of 1,000 shekels. During the event, provocative signs were displayed, including "The IDF is the enemy's army" and "We will never serve in the enemy's army."

The event's timing is deliberate, coinciding with the presence of many donors to extreme Haredi groups from the US and Europe, who are visiting for the Sukkot holiday. The organizers aim to showcase their activities to these visitors. Additionally, the march seeks to keep the issue of the conscription law in the public discourse within the Haredi community and highlight the perceived inaction of Haredi Knesset members on the matter.

This Jerusalem event follows a similar march held earlier in the week in Bnei Brak, honoring 160 Haredi draft dodgers released from military prison. Those participants also received hundreds of shekels for their time in detention.

Reactions to the march have been critical. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, called for an immediate investigation into who is funding the grants for the dodgers and demanded that the Prime Minister and Defense Minister condemn the event. Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, contrasted the honor shown to the dodgers with reservists serving during the holidays, questioning their connection to the right-wing camp.