Thousands of Haredim Protest Military Draft in Jerusalem

Thousands of Haredi Jews demonstrated in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening to support young men who were arrested and imprisoned for refusing military conscription. Protesters carried signs labeling the Israeli military as the "enemy army," while police closed several surrounding streets. The rally took place at the intersection of Bar Ilan and Brandeis streets, where several recently released men arrived by bus to a large reception.

Organizers announced that each released individual would receive a grant of approximately 1,000 shekels, funded by donations from outside Israel. Signs displayed at the protest called for the release of those imprisoned for draft evasion, with one reading, "Free the hostages from prison, who will never serve in the enemy army." Gift bags for children at the event also praised the imprisoned draft refusers.

Most of the released individuals had been arrested months prior during operations to apprehend draft evaders. Among them was Meir Steiner, who was detained by military police for draft evasion after an investigation by the Lahav 433 unit concerning illegal issuance of disability cards to help Haredim avoid service. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 days in prison.

The protest drew reactions from opposition parties. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized the reception of the released men, stating they were treated "as if they had just emerged after three years of fighting in Gaza," and called them "Netanyahu's partners." Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Hatnuah party, framed the upcoming election as a choice "between a government that evades conscription and a Zionist conscription government." Yair Golan, leader of the Meretz party, vowed "zero tolerance" for draft refusers.

This demonstration followed a similar event in Bnei Brak on Sunday, where Haredim released from prison for draft refusal were welcomed, and media crews were reportedly attacked. These protests occur amidst a High Court ruling mandating equal application of the draft and a halt in preemptive arrests of draft evaders due to a dispute between the military and police over arrest responsibilities, while the debate over conscripting Haredim continues.