Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men have blocked a major highway in central Israel for two hours. They're protesting a recent decision by the country's high court ordering young religious men to enlist for military service.
BNEI BRAK, Israel (AP) — Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men blocked a major highway in central Israel for two hours on Thursday to protest a recent Supreme Court decision ordering young religious men to enlist for military service.
Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel. But politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have won draft exemptions for their followers that allow them instead to study in religious seminaries.
This long-standing arrangement has bred widespread resentment among the broader public — a sentiment that has grown stronger during the eight-month war against Hamas in Gaza. Over 600 soldiers have been killed, and tens of thousands of reservists have been activated, straining careers, businesses and family lives.
Hey now. If you're so adamant that Israel should be invoking divine retribution on these infidels, wouldn't you want a piece of the action? It's the Crusades 3.0!
Then why (and I'm not trying to attack you, I'm genuinely curious) have we not seen anything about them protesting before? Because it didn't directly affect them? Sounds pretty similar to most ultra-conservative groups, I guess.
BNEI BRAK, Israel (AP) — Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men blocked a major highway in central Israel for two hours on Thursday to protest a recent Supreme Court decision ordering young religious men to enlist for military service.
But politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have won draft exemptions for their followers that allow them instead to study in religious seminaries.
This long-standing arrangement has bred widespread resentment among the broader public — a sentiment that has grown stronger during the eight-month war against Hamas in Gaza.
Over 600 soldiers have been killed, and tens of thousands of reservists have been activated, straining careers, businesses and family lives.
Many fear that greater contact with secular society through the military will distance adherents from strict observance of the faith.
The Supreme Court this week ordered the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men, saying the system of exemptions is unequal.
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