Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Riot Outside Prison Over Draft Dodger's Detention

On the evening of July 20, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters affiliated with the Gur Hasidic sect violently rioted outside Prison 10 in Israel. The demonstrators attempted to dismantle and topple a fence near the prison ahead of a large rally planned to protest the detention of a draft dodger from their community. This individual, also a member of the Gur Hasidim, had gone to the military recruitment office to arrange an exemption but was sentenced to 20 days in prison.

The Gur Hasidic leadership reported that approximately 200 buses from across the country were transporting thousands of protesters to the site, with the Gur Rebbe himself expected to attend the rally. This follows a similar protest a few weeks earlier after another draft dodger from the sect was detained. Although the community leaders instructed participants to avoid violence, footage from the scene clearly shows aggressive behavior and attempts to damage prison property.

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between the ultra-Orthodox community and the Israeli military over conscription policies. The authorities are monitoring the situation as the large-scale demonstration unfolds outside Prison 10.