Thousands of Haredim Protest Military Draft in Jerusalem

Thousands of Haredi Jews demonstrated in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening in solidarity with young men who were arrested and imprisoned for refusing military conscription. Participants carried banners labeling the Israeli military as the "enemy army." Police closed surrounding streets for the event, which took place at the intersection of Bar Ilan and Brandis streets.

The released individuals arrived by bus to a large reception. Organizers announced that each would receive a grant of approximately 1,000 shekels, funded by donations from outside Israel. Banners read, "Free the hostages from prison, who will never serve in the enemy army." Gift bags for children featured messages praising those imprisoned for draft evasion.

Most of the released individuals had been arrested months prior during operations targeting draft evaders. Among them was Meir Steiner, who was detained by military police for evasion after an investigation into illegal disability certificate issuance, a common method for Haredim to avoid service. He was sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

The protest drew strong reactions from opposition parties. Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized the celebratory reception for the draft evaders, calling them "Netanyahu's partners." Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Hatnua party, framed the upcoming election as a choice between "a government that evades conscription and a Zionist conscription government." Yair Golan of the Meretz party vowed zero tolerance for draft dodgers.

A similar protest occurred in Bnei Brak on Sunday to welcome Haredim released after imprisonment for draft refusal. Media crews covering that event were reportedly attacked, leading some to leave. The Israeli Supreme Court has ordered the military to enforce conscription equally, while preemptive arrests of draft evaders have been stalled due to disagreements between the military and police over execution responsibilities.