65 Israeli-Haredim Protestors Detained For Riot Outside of a Judge’s House in Alon Shvut

Last Wednesday night, on June 3rd, over 65 ultra-Orthodox protestors were detained after staging a riot outside of an Israeli Supreme Court judge’s house in Alon Shvut, Israel. The group protested against the country’s mandatory military service amidst the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as Haredim in Hebrew, are a sector from Orthodox Judaism. Haredim are known to study the Torah full-time, avoid secularism, and have a huge political impact in Israel with numerous political parties.

According to the police, the protestors damaged the home and property of Judge Noam Sohlberg. Although their motive is not clear, the targeting of Sohlberg’s home may be related to a previous Supreme Court decision to end the military draft exemptions for Haredim men. Athough the ruling was issued, most Haredim men still avoid the military in fear of secularism and to study the Torah full-time.

On the other hand, for most Israelis, military service is mandatory after turning 18. With rising conflicts and the war in Gaza, Haredim men’s refusal and exemption from the military has caused national anger and division as well as overworked reservists.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strong reliance and support from ultra-Orthodox parties, he strongly disapproved of the riot last Wednesday night. According to the New York Times, undefined

Although the riot outside of the judge’s home has become a major headline, it is not the only time a large group of Haredim have protested. Just a couple days prior from the incident, a Haredim group had also undefined in a town near Jerusalem. Haredim groups have also protested near major roads and highways in Israel for hours as well.