Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood to protest a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates the enlistment of draft-age Haredi men into the Israeli military. This decision overturned a long-standing exemption dating back to the country's founding 76 years ago.
The rally in Shabbat Square aimed to denounce the court's ruling, with protesters expressing adamant opposition to being drafted into the military, citing their dedication to religious studies at yeshivas as a core tenet of their way of life.
The exemption for Haredi men from military service, initially granted during Israel's establishment, has since faced criticism from other sectors of Israeli society, who argue that all Jewish citizens should serve in the military, particularly during times of conflict.
Despite the court's decision, many Haredi men remain resolute in their refusal to enlist, with some even expressing willingness to face imprisonment rather than comply with the draft orders.
The clashes between protesters and police following the demonstration underscored the deep-seated emotions within the ultra-Orthodox community, which views military service as incompatible with their religious beliefs and way of life.
While the court ruling has stirred significant debate and tension, the Israeli military is not expected to immediately enforce mass enlistment of Haredi men, with concerns raised about the readiness of the military to accommodate their religious practices and beliefs.
Political tensions have also emerged, with lawmakers divided on the issue of Haredi enlistment, and uncertainty looms over the potential consequences for draft-dodgers within the ultra-Orthodox community.
As the debate continues, the future of Haredi military service remains uncertain, with conflicting perspectives on the intersection of religious studies, national defense, and the preservation of traditional Haredi ways of life.
