Haredi Draft Dodgers Honored with Cash Bonuses Amid Public Outcry

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis gathered in Jerusalem on Tuesday to welcome and honor young men recently released from military prison for draft evasion. The event, held at the intersection of Bar Ilan and Brandais streets, was described as a "reception for Torah scholars" who were imprisoned for refusing to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Participants, including children who received surprise bags, celebrated the released individuals, with one bag stating, "Reception for Torah scholars who were privileged to sit in jail for the 'sin' of preserving Judaism."

The organizers announced a direct financial incentive for the released draft evaders, promising each individual approximately 1,000 shekels, funded by donations from abroad. This financial support is in addition to the "hero" status the men have attained within certain segments of the Haredi community, where their imprisonment has become a symbol of honor and respect, even among the Lithuanian Haredi sector, which typically does not show such attention.

The demonstrations and symbols displayed at the events have sparked widespread public anger. Protesters in Jerusalem carried signs calling the IDF "the enemy's army" and chanting slogans like, "Free the hostages from prison 10 who will never serve the enemy's army." Many of the released individuals, including Meir Steiner, who was arrested for draft evasion while being investigated for another matter, had been imprisoned for months.

This Jerusalem event follows a similar demonstration in Bnei Brak on Sunday, which featured a stage, an orchestra, and performances honoring the draft evaders. During the Bnei Brak procession, instances of violence were reported, with groups of protesters attacking media crews from Channel 12, Channel 13, and Kan 11, forcing some teams to leave for their safety.

The celebrations and financial incentives for draft evaders have drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized the events on X, calling the participants "Netanyahu's partners." Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, framed the upcoming elections as a choice "between a government of draft evasion and a Zionist enlistment government," stating Israel cannot afford another term under such a government. MK Yulia Malinovsky condemned the draft evaders' perspective, stating, "From the perspective of the evaders, we are all, the serving public, an enemy army." She added that these individuals "only know how to demand and receive money from the state, and Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Ben Gvir are pouring it on them in quantities from the diving board."