These folks have never been forced to serve their nation. They think they are above all other Israeli’s. In a unanimous decision, Israel will no longer agree to such a stance.
In Jerusalem’s Shabbat Square, a significant demonstration is unfolding as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Haredim gather to express their opposition to the conscription of yeshiva students into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This protest includes members of the Jerusalem Faction, a group known for its strong stance against military service for religious students, claiming around 60,000 adherents who are frequently seen at such events.
🇮🇱⚔️🇮🇱 “We will not serve the enemy army!”
The Apocalypse?… No, just the Zionist ultra-orthodox protesting the new military draft. They want other people to finish the genocide on their behalf, because they’re too “religious” for it
The Haredim rave in Jerusalem, burning and… pic.twitter.com/UVkhRXHpLV
— dana (@dana916) July 1, 2024
The demonstrators are visibly passionate, brandishing banners with messages such as “We will not enlist in the enemy army” and “We will die and not enlist.” These signs reflect a deep-rooted belief among many Haredim that military service conflicts with their religious duties and lifestyle, a sentiment that has fueled numerous protests over the years.
This recent protest follows a pivotal decision by the High Court of Justice, which last week mandated the IDF to start drafting ultra-Orthodox men. The ruling also stops financial support to yeshivas that fail to comply with this order, marking a significant shift in a long-standing national debate. The court’s decision underscores a move toward equalizing the burden of military service among all sectors of Israeli society, aiming to integrate Haredi men alongside their fellow citizens in national defense duties.
Violent clashes erupted in Jerusalem as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested against military draft
Protesters attacked Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf’s car, accusing him of complicity in the conscription of Haredim pic.twitter.com/kIQJnfAHhN
— ❀ N ✿ (@8zal) July 1, 2024
The issue at hand is not just about military service but also about the potential secular influence on those who serve. Many in the ultra-Orthodox community fear that exposure to the broader societal norms within the military might lead to a dilution of their devout lifestyle. This concern is central to the objections against conscription and is a recurring theme in the arguments presented by leaders of the protest.
#Israel🇮🇱Haredim protesting the conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to the military attack the car of United Torah Judaism party leader Yitzhak Goldknopf.
Source: Times of Israel@academic_la pic.twitter.com/bfFAFZ2JjQ
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) June 30, 2024
As the demonstration continues, the atmosphere remains charged with a mix of defiance and apprehension about the future of yeshiva students and the broader implications for the ultra-Orthodox community. The High Court’s ruling has indeed set the stage for a new chapter of equality in Israel, where the ultra-Orthodox are no longer above the rest of the people. In America, we call this true equality.
Major Points
- Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Haredim gathered in Jerusalem’s Shabbat Square to protest against the mandatory conscription of yeshiva students into the Israel Defense Forces.
- The protesters, including members of the Jerusalem Faction, displayed banners opposing enlistment, emphasizing a severe clash with their religious beliefs.
- The demonstration was triggered by a recent ruling from the High Court of Justice, which requires the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men and halts funding to non-compliant yeshivas.
- Many protesters fear that military service will lead to secularization, conflicting with their devout lifestyle.
- The court’s decision represents a significant shift towards equalizing military duties among all Israeli citizens, intensifying the debate between religious obligations and national service.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
