Ultra-Orthodox Rally Honors Draft Dodgers, Promises Cash Gifts

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews marched in Jerusalem on September 29th to celebrate young men released from military prison for evading mandatory army service. The demonstrators hailed the released individuals as heroes, with organizers pledging financial rewards, reportedly several hundred shekels per person, with Ynet reporting up to 1,000 shekels. The procession, which began in the Geula neighborhood and traversed several major streets, caused significant traffic disruptions in the capital. While media estimated thousands participated, only about 50 of the approximately 100 invited former prisoners attended. Many were imprisoned not due to widespread draft evasion crackdowns, but for attempting to leave the country or returning to Israel. Protest signs equated draft dodgers with hostages and displayed slogans like "Death but not service," with the IDF referred to as the "enemy army."

The financial incentives for draft evaders drew particular outrage. Ynet reported that in addition to the promised 1,000 shekel compensation, children of participants received gift bags with messages congratulating them on their "honor" of being imprisoned. This Jerusalem event followed a similar rally in Bnei Brak on September 27th, where around 160 released Haredim were celebrated with music and dancing. That event was organized by the new ultra-Orthodox party "Tzeva Shahor - Magen Olam HaTorah" (Black Color - Shield of the World of Torah), which campaigns for the exemption of yeshiva students from military service. The party intentionally kept its political aims secret beforehand, fearing interference from police and traditional Haredi parties.

The Bnei Brak rally also saw clashes between participants and journalists. The celebrations for draft evaders have quickly become an early focal point of the upcoming election campaign, centered on the conscription law. The issue of Haredi conscription has become a major point of contention between the IDF, police, politicians, and ultra-Orthodox parties. Despite around 80,000 Haredim not serving, only 16 were officially detained for evasion by mid-June 2026, with another 81 found incidentally. The Supreme Court has also intervened, blocking a law that would have paused certain detention procedures for Haredi draft dodgers and questioning the selective enforcement of conscription laws.

Politicians advocating for broader Haredi military participation reacted strongly. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu demanded an investigation into the payments and called for the Prime Minister and Defense Minister to condemn the actions, linking support for such rallies to the current government's ultra-Orthodox partners. Gadi Eisenkot of the National Unity party called the march a "march of shame" and stated that the upcoming elections would address draft evasion. Naftali Bennett of the Yahad party also highlighted conscription as a central election issue, promising to halt state payments to draft dodgers.