Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers Honored with Cash Bonuses Amid Public Outcry
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers received cash bonuses and public celebrations upon release from prison.
- Events in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak honored those who evaded IDF service.
- Protesters displayed anti-IDF slogans, calling the military "the army of the enemy."
- Financial incentives for draft dodgers came from foreign donations.
- Political leaders condemned the celebrations and called for stricter enlistment policies.
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox men, referred to as "Torah scholars prisoners," were celebrated in Jerusalem on Tuesday following their release from military prison for draft evasion. The event, held at the intersection of Bar Ilan and Bar-Ness streets, saw a large crowd gather to welcome the young men who had been incarcerated for refusing to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Organizers provided a financial incentive for the released draft dodgers, promising each individual approximately 1,000 shekels, funded by donations from abroad. This financial support, coupled with the public reception, elevates their status within certain segments of the ultra-Orthodox community, transforming their imprisonment into a symbol of honor. Attendees, including children who received surprise bags, displayed signs with slogans such as "The army of the enemy" and calls for the release of hostages, equating their situation to that of captives.
The Jerusalem event followed a similar rally in Bnei Brak on Sunday, which featured a stage, a band, and unfortunately, instances of violence. Protesters there attacked media crews from Channel 12, Channel 13, and Kan 11, forcing some teams to evacuate for safety reasons.
The celebrations and financial rewards for draft dodgers have ignited widespread anger and condemnation from various political figures. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized the events, linking the draft dodgers to Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, framed the upcoming elections as a choice between a "government of evasion and a Zionist enlistment government." MK Yair Golan of the Democratic Party denounced the anti-IDF slogans displayed and accused Netanyahu of forming an alliance with those who reject military service, while MK Yulia Malinovsky highlighted the perceived hypocrisy of draft dodgers demanding state funds while labeling those who serve as enemies.
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