Yeshiva Student Restrained in Hospital Sparks Outrage

An unusual incident at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, where a yeshiva student was brought for medical treatment while handcuffed and shackled, has ignited controversy within the Haredi community. The student was arrested by military police at the Taba border crossing last Friday while attempting to leave the country. He was subject to an active exit ban due to evasion of military service. Upon arrival at a detention facility, the student requested medical attention and was subsequently transferred to the hospital's emergency room. Eyewitnesses reported that several Arab patients at the hospital approached the restrained student, expressing solidarity and criticizing his arrest solely for Torah study. Military police eventually dispersed the onlookers. The IDF spokesperson stated that the restraints were applied according to regulations, based on a professional decision to ensure the safety of the detainee and those around him. This case follows a recent wave of arrests of yeshiva students, including two others, Eliyahu Deda and Yikir Ralbag, who were sentenced to 20 days in military prison. Additionally, two students from the Ohr Hachaim yeshiva were arrested in Rishon Lezion and transferred to military police. These arrests are occurring amidst demands from the Attorney General to enforce conscription laws against Haredi draft evaders. A recent discussion revealed that 64 draft evaders had successfully left the country undetected and were only apprehended upon their return to Israel.