Ultra-Orthodox Faction Announces Mass Protests Over Draft Evasion Arrests

The Jerusalem Faction, an ultra-Orthodox group, has announced large-scale protests scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem and the Gush Dan region, around 4 PM. The demonstrations are a response to the recent renewal of arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students and seminary scholars by military authorities.

According to a statement from the "Committee for the Salvation of the Torah World," the decision to protest was made following the arrest of students for "studying Torah and abandoning them to the ultra-Orthodox establishment." The statement cited leading Rabbi Azriel Auerbach as ordering the protests against the "desecration of the honor of Torah and its learners."

Rabbi Auerbach reportedly expressed strong criticism of those who previously pledged support for the students but have now left them to face arrest. He also condemned the "terrible desecration of God's name" by imprisoning Torah scholars, lamenting the lack of public outcry.

The protests are expected to involve the entire Jerusalem Faction, potentially including the "Ratzpanik" group, named after its leader Rabbi Zvi Friedman. The broader participation this time is anticipated to make the demonstrations larger and more impactful than previous ones, which have previously led to road blockages, such as on Geha Road in July.