Two Yeshiva Students Arrested in Rishon Lezion Amid Haredi Draft Protests
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Two yeshiva students were arrested in Rishon Lezion and handed over to military police, with their phones reportedly confiscated. This incident is part of a broader trend of arrests targeting Torah scholars amid ongoing protests against the military draft for Haredi men. The students contacted a legal aid hotline for assistance. The arrests underscore the deep divisions over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two yeshiva students were arrested in Rishon Lezion and transferred to military police.
- The students reported their phones were immediately confiscated after their arrest.
- The arrests are part of a continuing wave targeting Torah scholars.
- Critics describe the arrests as a "persecution" for studying Torah.
- The incident occurs amidst ongoing protests regarding Haredi draft exemptions.
Two yeshiva students from the Ohr Hachaim yeshiva were arrested during a routine check by patrol officers in Rishon Lezion. They were subsequently transferred to military police. The students reported that their phones were immediately confiscated after their arrest. This incident is part of a continuing wave of arrests targeting Torah scholars, which critics describe as a "persecution" for the "sin" of studying Torah. The arrests occur against the backdrop of ongoing tensions and protests related to the military draft exemptions for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men.
The arrests highlight the ongoing friction between the Haredi community and Israeli authorities regarding military service obligations. The Haredi community largely opposes conscription, citing religious reasons and the importance of Torah study, while the Israeli military and government seek to increase enlistment, particularly in light of security needs. The "Black Flag" hotline, which assists those facing legal issues related to draft evasion or other military service matters, was contacted by the students, indicating their intention to seek legal recourse.
