Hundreds Protest Yeshiva Student's Arrest Attempt in Modi'in, Student Released

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Modi'in late Monday night to demonstrate against an attempted arrest of a yeshiva student from the 'Ohr HaChaim' yeshiva, who was reportedly a draft dodger from the IDF. The Military Police arrived at the student's home, located on the 11th floor of a building, approximately 20 days before his wedding, intending to detain him. The protest, which included residents of Modi'in and demonstrators from other cities like Modi'in Illit, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh, escalated as protesters confronted police attempting to block access to the building. Some demonstrators managed to enter the building and reach the student's apartment. The Military Police requested reinforcements, and additional protesters continued to arrive, aiming to prevent the arrest. The student's rabbi, Dor Salti, stated that the Military Police knocked on the door shortly before midnight and the student was not allowed to change clothes. After about an hour and a half of confrontations, negotiations between representatives of the protest group 'Tzeva Shachor' (Black Flag) and police resulted in the student's release. The Military Police departed the scene, and a protest representative urged the crowd to disperse, announcing the student was safe with his yeshiva head. While sources present suggested the student's impending wedding was a factor in his release, police did not confirm this. During the events, there were also clashes with building residents, including water being thrown from a balcony, and one instance of a police officer using force against a demonstrator. Following his release, the student and Rabbi Salti were reportedly celebrated by protesters in Modi'in Illit.