Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish Israelis have participated in a protest in Jerusalem against proposed changes to a legal exemption from military conscription for religious students. The demonstration involved most ultra-Orthodox factions and addressed a long-standing exemption for full-time yeshiva students.
Protest Details
The protest, referred to by some as the "march of the million," occurred in Jerusalem. Participants included hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis, with nearly all sects and factions of the Haredi community represented. The demonstration specifically targeted changes to a legal exemption that has traditionally applied to religious students regarding military service.
Conscription Exemption Background
Since the establishment of Israel, full-time students enrolled in religious schools, known as yeshivas, have been exempt from military conscription. While this exemption exists, some members of the ultra-Orthodox community do serve in the military.
Current Context
Calls for increased participation of ultra-Orthodox individuals in military service have intensified, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.