Ultra-Orthodox Mob Attacks Modi'in Building During Draft Dodger's Arrest Attempt

Residents of a multi-story building in Modi'in reported a "pogrom" overnight Tuesday, October 6, when ultra-Orthodox individuals stormed the building to prevent military police from arresting a yeshiva student evading conscription. The group entered through the main entrance and parking lot, banging on doors and shouting slogans against military service. Residents described waking up in terror, with some comparing the chaos to the October 7th attacks. The incident began around midnight when military police arrived to detain Yeiri Liberman, who lives on the 11th floor. Ultra-Orthodox activists had previously activated a "Color Red" alert system to disrupt the arrest. Witnesses reported multiple buses arriving, and a fire alarm was triggered, causing further panic. One resident recounted feeling as though the intruders were already in her home, leading her to hide her children and arm herself. Residents claim they called the police at 00:30, but adequate forces only arrived at 01:30. One resident stated they felt "abandoned" by the police, who seemed hesitant to confront the crowd without backup. The ultra-Orthodox allegedly assaulted a female police officer, hitting her head with a flower pot and causing bleeding; she was hidden in an apartment until paramedics arrived. A 12-year-old girl described the scene as terrifying, preventing her from sleeping. Liberman's mother apologized to neighbors via WhatsApp, denying involvement in the violence and stating her son was being used. She also reported significant damage to her apartment door and highlighted her own and her other son's military service. The situation concluded with an "unusual understanding" where military police reportedly agreed to abandon the arrest in exchange for the protesters allowing them to leave safely. Liberman was reportedly celebrated as a hero by the crowd after the police departed. The Mayor of Modi'in, Chaim Bibas, condemned the "outrageous and barbaric behavior" and questioned the police and army's preparedness and failure to execute the arrest warrant, calling it a serious failure that necessitates the timely use of force to prevent lawlessness.