Thousands Protest At Military Prison Over Yeshiva Student's Arrest In Jerusalem

On the evening of July 20, thousands of Gur Hasidim gathered outside the gates of Military Prison 10 in Jerusalem to protest the detention of Israel Reuven Fein, a student of the "Sfat Emet" yeshiva. Fein was sentenced to 20 days in prison after being classified by the Israeli military as a deserter. The Gur Hasidic community disputes this classification, asserting that Fein repeatedly appeared at recruitment offices attempting to regularize his status. According to the community, Fein mistakenly went to the Jerusalem recruitment office instead of Haifa on his enlistment day, was redirected to Haifa where the office was closed, and was asked to return the next day. Even then, the process was not completed, and only on his third visit was he informed that two days had passed since his original enlistment date, leading to his arrest and imprisonment.

During the protest, clashes erupted between some demonstrators and security forces despite organizers urging participants to follow instructions, avoid violence, and disperse peacefully. The Gur Rebbe himself left his residence in Jerusalem to join the demonstration, stating he would appear whenever a member of his community is arrested. This protest marks the second mass demonstration by the Gur Hasidim at Prison 10 within a month. Last week, the Sanz Hasidic community held a similar rally after two of its members were detained; one was released while the other remains in custody.