Thousands of Satmar Hasidim Protest Outside Prison Over Torah Students' Arrests

Nearly 5,000 Satmar Hasidim, joined by many from the broader Jewish community, gathered in a massive protest outside Prison 10. The demonstration was held in response to the recent arrests of Torah scholars who refused to comply with military conscription orders, insisting on continuing their sacred Torah study. The crowd filled the protest area near the prison gates, praying and voicing strong opposition to what they described as persecution of Torah study.

The event was led by the Satmar Rebbe and included participation from rabbis and judges of the Satmar Hasidic community, as well as several other rebbes who came to show solidarity with the detainees and their families. The Rebbe of Stropkov recited Psalms, and the Rebbe of Ziditshov, whose grandson has been imprisoned for several days for draft refusal, also attended.

The highlight of the protest was the Satmar Rebbe’s emotional speech, delivered with a voice choked by tears. He condemned the current situation in the Holy Land as unprecedented and cruel, questioning how it came to pass that young men dedicated to Torah study are imprisoned simply for their commitment to learning. The gathering concluded with a collective acceptance of divine sovereignty.