Children's Rally Outside Military Prison Protests Draft Law
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Hundreds of children from ultra-Orthodox Talmud Torah schools rallied outside Prison 10, protesting the military draft law. The demonstration was held at the behest of Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Shkhter, who is 93, to uphold religious observance. The author visited ultra-Orthodox prisoners inside who were encouraged by the rally. The event focused on prayer and spiritual solidarity, with participants hoping for divine intervention.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hundreds of children rallied outside Prison 10 to protest the military draft law.
- The demonstration was organized at the instruction of 93-year-old Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Shkhter.
- The rally aimed to uphold religious observance and pass the struggle to the next generation.
- Ultra-Orthodox prisoners inside the facility were reportedly encouraged by the event.
- The protest focused on prayer and spiritual solidarity, eschewing unnecessary conflict.
A large rally of children from Talmud Torah schools was held yesterday outside the military prison known as Prison 10. The event was organized at the instruction of Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Shkhter, who is approaching his 93rd birthday. The children gathered to protest the draft law, which requires ultra-Orthodox men to enlist in the military. The rally's participants prayed and cried out "Hear, Israel," a central tenet of Jewish faith, in a demonstration of their commitment to Torah observance.
The author visited the prison prior to the rally, where he met with 37 ultra-Orthodox prisoners. He described the prisoners as being encouraged by the music and the sounds of the rally from outside, which brought them light and strengthened their spirits. The prisoners asked the author to convey their thanks to the organizers.
Rabbi Shkhter, a prominent leader, has witnessed significant historical events in Israel, including the establishment of the state and subsequent wars. He believes it is time to pass the struggle for religious observance to the next generation. He instructed the children to gather at the prison gates to declare that God is the only deity and to stand firm against all the trials of the generation.
The author recalled a conversation with the late Gaon Chassid Rabbi Natan Lieberman, who advised him that the main thing is to pray, not to engage in legal battles. The rally followed this directive, focusing on prayer and a plea to God, rather than unnecessary shouting or conflict. The author expressed hope that their prayers would be answered and that God would bring salvation soon.
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