Jerusalem – A demonstration by ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews in Jerusalem turned tragic Tuesday evening when a protester was killed and three others injured in what authorities are calling an accidental collision with a bus. The incident occurred during a large-scale protest against mandatory military conscription.
According to reports, the driver of the bus has been taken into custody. Initial investigations suggest the incident was not intentional but rather a tragic accident amidst the chaotic scene of the demonstration.
The protest, which drew tens of thousands, saw demonstrators blocking roads throughout Jerusalem. The Haredi community has long opposed mandatory military service, arguing that their religious studies are a form of national service. The protest was reportedly organized by prominent Rabbis, including Rabbi Moshe Tzadaka, a leading figure in the opposition to the draft.
The demonstrations stem from a High Court ruling last year that mandates Haredi Jews to enlist in the military and prohibits financial assistance to religious institutions whose students refuse to serve. This ruling has ignited ongoing tensions and protests within the Haredi community.
The incident coincides with ongoing discussions in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee regarding a proposed conscription law. The bill, put forward by Committee Chairman Boaz Bismut, seeks to grant annual deferrals from military service to Yeshiva students dedicated solely to religious study. Critics argue that the proposed law weakens previous attempts to ensure that those claiming religious exemptions are genuinely engaged in full-time study.
The Haredi parties have threatened to withhold support for the general budget if their concerns regarding military conscription are not addressed, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious political landscape. The debate surrounding the draft law continues to be a flashpoint in Israeli society, highlighting the deep divisions between secular and religious communities.
