Cadillac Escort and Fireworks Greet Released Haredi Draft Resister in Netanya

In Netanya's Kiryat Sanz neighborhood, thousands of residents and members of the Haredi community celebrated the release of Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Shmerler, a prominent draft resister who had served a lengthy sentence in a military prison for refusing conscription as directed by leading rabbis. Just two weeks prior, thousands of Sanz Hasidim had gathered at Prison 10 in a massive prayer rally led by the Sanz Rebbe, demanding his release.

Upon his arrival in Kiryat Sanz, Rabbi Shmerler was escorted in a luxurious Cadillac alongside his family. Near his parents' home, he exited the vehicle and walked on a red carpet laid out in his honor, greeted by cheering youths and children waving flags and holding fire torches, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Torah scroll dedication ceremony.

Following the festive welcome, the "Torah world prisoner" attended the weekly lesson of Rabbi Av Beit Din of Kiryat Sanz, who praised God for His mercy on the poor and needy. The event concluded with joyous singing and dancing at a celebratory gathering.