Charity Channeling Government Funds Raises Millions for Anti-Haredi Draft Group

The organization "Tzeva Shahor," which leads protests against the conscription of Haredi Jews into the Israeli military, is raising donations through the nonprofit "Derech Chachama." Derech Chachama officially states its mission as providing Talmud Torah education and aid to the needy. According to a report aired Monday evening on Kan News, in 2024 the nonprofit received government funding totaling 796,000 shekels and holds a tax-exempt status under Section 46, allowing donors to receive tax benefits.

Despite its declared charitable activities, Derech Chachama has funneled over three million shekels in donations just in the past week to support Tzeva Shahor's campaign against Haredi conscription. This financial arrangement highlights the blurred lines between charitable aid and political activism in the ongoing debate over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.

In related developments, MK Zamir commented on the recently approved law ending the detention of draft evaders, calling it a "breach of trust with those serving." The law was passed in committee with provisions for sectoral exemptions, reflecting the contentious nature of the draft issue in Israeli society.