Ultra-Orthodox communities are preparing for a large car convoy protest on Tuesday, one day before a planned demonstration near Prison 10. Internal audio messages in Yiddish were circulated in several Hasidic groups, urging participation because, as the messages put it, “Torah scholars are being persecuted” and yeshiva students and married students are being arrested, in defense of “the honor of the Torah and those who study it.”
The protest was initiated by the Gur Hasidic court, the largest in Israel and the most powerful force in Agudat Yisrael. Unlike earlier protests led by fringe factions, this time major Hasidic groups and smaller communities are taking part. Messages were also sent in Boyan, Slonim, Satmar Vishnitz and, earlier, in Belz and other large groups.
The convoy is set to begin at 4:00 p.m. and is expected to end around 8:00 p.m. Organizers say hundreds of cars will depart from 19 launch points across Israel, travel slowly to create heavy traffic, reach Prison 10, circle the base with horns blaring, and then return to their starting points. The cars will display protest signs against the arrests of draft evaders.
As of now, launch sites have been set in Jerusalem, Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze'ev, Haifa, Hatzor HaGlilit, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Arad, Safed, Kiryat Gat and Rehovot. Organizers say the event is coordinated with police, but police sources said cars will not be allowed near Prison 10 and will instead be directed to a parking lot outside Kfar Yona for a rally. Police also said fines may be issued if the convoy drives so slowly that it seriously disrupts traffic. The signs will carry messages such as “We all stand with the prisoners of the world of Torah” and “Convoy for Torah scholars,” while the organizing committee said the notices reflect “the voice of the broad public” and will send support to the prisoners inside the base.
