'Better to go to prison': Israeli ultra-Orthodox rally against army service • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Ultra-Orthodox men
• Military conscription (draft)
• Yeshiva (religious school)
• Torah learning
• Supreme Court ruling
• Draft notices
• Military prison
• Israeli public opinion
• Draft bill

The Million Man March and Ultra-Orthodox Conscription

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men participated in a protest in Jerusalem, dubbed the "Million Man March," with the central demand being that every man should be exempt from military service at age 18 if he is studying in a yeshiva and learning Torah. This protest highlights a long-standing tension regarding military conscription in Israel.

Background of the Conscription Exemption

Military conscription is mandatory for most Israeli citizens. However, historically, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from this service to allow them to focus on religious studies. This exemption has become a significant point of contention, especially in light of ongoing conflicts.

Recent Developments and Public Reaction

• Supreme Court Ruling: Last year, Israel's Supreme Court ordered an end to the ultra-Orthodox exemption from military service.
• Draft Notices Issued: Following the ruling, the military began issuing draft notices. Approximately 80,000 notices were sent out, but only about 3,000 ultra-Orthodox men complied.
• Consequences of Refusal: Individuals who refuse to enlist are taken to military prison.
• Public Opinion: The vast majority of the Israeli public disagrees with the exemption. An opinion poll from the previous year indicated that over three-quarters of Israelis opposed exempting the ultra-Orthodox from military service. This sentiment is amplified by the fact that over 900 Israeli soldiers have died in conflicts, including the war in Gaza and actions in Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon, a burden not shared by the 14% of the population that is ultra-Orthodox.

The Protest and its Context

The "Million Man March" protest occurred amidst heightened tensions and a growing public demand for equitable military service. The protest itself was largely peaceful, though a tragic incident occurred where a 15-year-old boy died after falling from a construction site.

Upcoming Legislative Action

The protest took place as Israeli lawmakers were expected to discuss a new draft bill on Monday. The specific contents of this bill have not yet been made public, but it is anticipated to address the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Ultra-Orthodox Perspective: The core argument presented by the protestors is that religious study (Torah learning in yeshivas) is a vital national and religious pursuit that should exempt individuals from military service. They view opposition to this exemption as an attack on Judaism within a Jewish country.
• Broader Israeli Public Perspective: The majority of Israelis, including many reservists, feel that the burden of military service should be shared equally across all segments of the population, especially given the ongoing security challenges and casualties.

Conclusion

The "Million Man March" and the surrounding events underscore a critical societal and political debate in Israel concerning military conscription and the equitable distribution of national service. The Supreme Court's ruling and the public's strong opposition to the exemption, coupled with upcoming legislative discussions, indicate a potential shift in the long-standing arrangement for ultra-Orthodox men. The incident of the 15-year-old's death, while accidental, adds a somber note to the ongoing tensions.