Imprisonment turned them into heroes: the procession for the deserters arrested by chance - and the criticism
Hundreds participated in a procession in Bnei Brak honoring 160 deserters, 'Torah prisoners', who were arrested on their way to Uman or on their return, and were released from military prison. The arrests were not carried out as a proactive enforcement operation, as this has been completely halted in the last two months. The 'Black Color' party is behind the event, aiming to bring to the agenda the frustration with the Haredi parties that did not advance a draft exemption law. Media crews were attacked at the scene.
Hundreds participated this evening (Sunday) in a procession in Bnei Brak honoring 160 deserters, known as 'Torah prisoners', who were arrested on their way to Uman for Rosh Hashanah or on their return, and have since been released from military prison. The arrests were not carried out as part of a proactive enforcement operation, as this has been completely halted in the last two months by the IDF and police. Most of the detainees tried to leave the country for Uman or were arrested on their way back. At the center of the event, a stage was set up with a band singing in honor of the deserters, who were received with royal honor. The 'Black Color' party is behind the procession, aiming to bring to the public agenda the frustration against the Haredi parties that did not advance a draft exemption law. During the event, media crews from Keshet News, Reshet News, and Kan 11 were attacked by groups of protesters, and Reshet and Kan 11 evacuated the scene. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett commented, saying the elections are about this issue, and he will stop funding for draft dodgers. The High Court of Justice ordered the IDF to enforce the draft obligation equally, but the IDF explained the cessation of activity due to a lack of cooperation from the police. Knesset members from parties opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu turned to the IDF demanding clarifications on the decrease in arrests, but these have not yet been received.