Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis participated in a massive protest in Jerusalem against proposed changes to the legal exemption that has historically allowed them to avoid military service. This event, referred to as the 'march of the million,' sees nearly all factions of the ultra-Orthodox or Haredi community coming together, marking one of the largest protests seen in recent years.
The legal exemption allowing full-time students at religious schools, or yeshivas, to avoid conscription has been a longstanding tradition since the founding of Israel. However, with demands for a greater military role from the Haredi community intensifying during the ongoing war in Gaza, tensions have escalated.
As roads leading into Jerusalem were effectively shut down, the protests brought together diverse segments of the ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up approximately 14% of the Israeli population. Their collective anger is not only directed toward the proposed conscription laws but also toward a series of arrests of ultra-Orthodox men who have been accused of evading military service.
The Haredi community feels their way of life is under threat as they face increasing pressure to integrate into secular society. Meanwhile, there is a growing belief among many Israelis that the ultra-Orthodox community has not been contributing their fair share in terms of military service, especially amid the current conflict. Incorporating them into the military could potentially alleviate manpower shortages, but ensuring a seamless integration poses significant challenges due to the need for accommodations based on their strict religious observances.
The protest in Jerusalem stands as both a rallying cry for the community's rights and a stern warning against the potential changes that could alter the dynamics of their traditional lifestyle.
