Ultra-Orthodox Jews stage mass protest to denounce conscription bill
- 10 years ago
Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews have protested in Jerusalem against a draft law that could see them face military service.
The demonstration saw those in attendance taking part in mass prayers that paralysed parts of the city. Police estimated the crowd at over 300,000 people.
Protester Abraham Hausman told euronews why the proposal is causing such uproar:
“One of the important elements of the Jewish religion is the study of its Torah. It’s the most important part of it, and they are imposing on us a draft law which will not enable us to do so any further. That is the most important reason why we are out here today.”
In Israel most men become eligible for conscription once they turn 18-years-old.
But the country’s ultra- Orthodox community have historically been exempt on religious grounds.
The bill comes on the back of growing anger from secular Israeli, who feel the ultra- Orthodox community are not sharing the same burdens.
The vote on the draft law is set to tak
The demonstration saw those in attendance taking part in mass prayers that paralysed parts of the city. Police estimated the crowd at over 300,000 people.
Protester Abraham Hausman told euronews why the proposal is causing such uproar:
“One of the important elements of the Jewish religion is the study of its Torah. It’s the most important part of it, and they are imposing on us a draft law which will not enable us to do so any further. That is the most important reason why we are out here today.”
In Israel most men become eligible for conscription once they turn 18-years-old.
But the country’s ultra- Orthodox community have historically been exempt on religious grounds.
The bill comes on the back of growing anger from secular Israeli, who feel the ultra- Orthodox community are not sharing the same burdens.
The vote on the draft law is set to tak