Thousands of Satmar Hasidim Protest Military Detention Near Kfar Yona Prison

Thousands of Satmar Hasidim are expected to gather in Kfar Yona on Thursday evening to protest the detention of two community members who refused to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces. The protest, led by the Satmar Rebbe, will take place near the military prison known as "Prison 10" at 7:00 PM. The two detainees, a married yeshiva scholar and a young unmarried student, were classified as draft evaders after refusing to serve in the IDF. Their detention was extended by 20 days by a military court, prompting the community to organize a large public demonstration.

According to Satmar representatives, the two men were arrested last week when they appeared at the recruitment office to handle bureaucratic matters and were taken into custody by the military police. Legal efforts to secure their release have so far failed, leading the community to escalate their response with this mass protest. The Satmar Rebbe is expected to attend and address the demonstrators.

The Central District Police are preparing for significant traffic disruptions around Kfar Yona and Highway 57 starting late Thursday afternoon. Organized transportation, including dozens of buses and shuttles, will bring protesters from 12 different Satmar centers across the country to designated parking areas near the prison. Police have urged drivers to check navigation apps and avoid the area if possible to minimize congestion.