Tens of thousands of haredim descended on the main entrance to Jerusalem on Wednesday to protest the conscription of haredim to the IDF and the arrests of haredi draft evaders.
The prayer rally was attended by tens of thousands of worshippers from across the country, led by leading rabbis, yeshiva deans, and Torah scholars. During the rally, five declarations were announced on behalf of the rabbis, expressing strong protest against what they called “the harm to Torah scholars.”
Among the main resolutions, participants declared that “the Torah is our life” and demanded that the existing arrangements for Torah students be preserved.
They protested the arrest of yeshiva students, calling it “a severe violation of their right to choose Torah study and of freedom of religion.” They also issued harsh criticism of the judicial system and the government, stating: “The judicial authorities act with brazenness against the Torah; the government of Israel failed to prevent this disgraceful situation.”
A call was also made to the broader public: “Our brothers, is it conceivable that precisely in the Holy Land, Torah students should be persecuted?” The rally offered encouragement to yeshiva and kollel students: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear - the blessing of the people of Israel accompanies you.”
Before the rally began, hundreds of young haredim marched down the middle of the road from the Chord Bridge toward the city center carrying signs against the conscription of haredim and shouting insults such as "cursed Zionists."
Nearly 2,000 police and Border Police officers are securing the rally and directing traffic around the city. The police have announced that the exit from Jerusalem to Route 1 is closed.
Within the city, roads in the city entrance area, surrounding Ginnot Sacharov, Jaffa St., Yirmiyahu St., Sarei Israel St., and nearby roads are closed.
