Ultra-Orthodox Youth Released From Military Prison Receives $3,200

An ultra-Orthodox youth, Avraham Angel, who was recently released from military prison after being arrested for failing to report for IDF orders, received 12,000 shekels (approximately $3,200) at a ceremony held in his honor. The funds were reportedly given at a rate of 1,000 shekels for each day he spent in jail. The ceremony took place just hours before hundreds of extremist ultra-Orthodox men rioted in Modi'in, successfully preventing the arrest of another draft dodger.

Angel, who refuses to enlist due to his religious observance and has not responded to any summons, was apprehended by military police about six weeks ago. During the ceremony, rabbis insisted on personally presenting the check to Angel. The "Kela Elef" fund, which supports ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, is preparing to collect its first payments from members who have joined the initiative. The fund aims to provide a financial cushion for draft dodgers, with members contributing small, regular sums to a common pool that will pay 1,000 shekels per day for any member who is arrested.

The organizers stated their goal is to "take the sting out" of arrests, so that young ultra-Orthodox men will not fear detention and will be comforted by the financial reward. This initiative was established about a month ago, with thousands joining and agreeing to contribute to the fund.

The ceremony occurred shortly before hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals converged on Modi'in, where they infiltrated a building where another ultra-Orthodox draft dodger was holed up. The rioters confronted police officers and surrounded military police. Ultimately, the ultra-Orthodox declared victory after negotiating with the police to allow the soldiers to leave in exchange for the draft dodger not being arrested. The hundreds of rioters had been mobilized by the "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Flag) organization, which aims to prevent the arrest of yeshiva students and has been responsible for similar disturbances since the war began.

Police in the Shfela region are investigating the incident, acknowledging that "the rioters understand they have the upper hand against the police and the law." Residents of the building described the events as a "pogrom," with the rioters entering the building, moving between floors, banging on apartment doors, and shouting "We will die before we enlist." Police investigation suggests that, contrary to procedure, a small military police force at the scene did not immediately apprehend the draft dodger, allowing him time to organize. As he stalled, rioters began to gather, prompting police to request assistance in extracting the military force and restoring order.