Friday, November 2, 2018

Police Nab 13 in Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protest; Arrest of Yeshiva Student Sparks Israel Protest

Thirteen ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters were arrested in Bnei Brak, Israel yesterday after they attacked police officers and blocked a major central highway during a demonstration against the army draft, the Times of Israel website reports today (November 2, 2018).

Hundreds took part in the demonstration that was initiated by the radical ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem Faction over the recent arrest of a yeshiva student who failed to register at a military draft office.

Protesters calling "We'd rather die than be recruited" blocked central streets in the Tel Aviv suburb, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Many in the ultra-Orthodox community shun military service that applies to most Israelis, and students at religious seminaries have been exempt from serving in the army. However, last September, Israel's highest court ruled that Israel's draft law granting most yeshiva students army exemptions was unconstitutional, and gave the government until December 2, 2018 to pass an amended version of the law.

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