jerusalem Protest Turns Tragic: Teen Dies During Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Presentation
JERUSALEM – A large demonstration in Jerusalem against the potential conscription of ultra-Orthodox young men took a tragic turn Thursday, with a 15-year-old falling to his death from the 20th floor of an unfinished building. The incident occurred as organizers of the rally urged other young men to descend from upper floors of the structure, according to reports from the Times of Israel. Security forces are working to safely evacuate over a dozen remaining demonstrators from the building.
The protest, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants, saw ultra-Orthodox Jews taking to the streets to voice opposition to a proposed law that would introduce compulsory military service for the community. Demonstrators sang, clapped, and carried signs declaring their willingness to face imprisonment rather than serve in the military.
The demonstration caused notable disruption, including the closure of a highway leading to Jerusalem and the halting of public transportation. Over 2,000 police officers were deployed to manage the protest.
The planned discussions in an Israeli parliamentary committee next week regarding the conscription law are fueling the unrest. Opposition to the bill extends beyond the ultra-orthodox community, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews traditionally oppose military service, prioritizing full-time religious study as their primary obligation. This exemption dates back to 1948,the year of Israel’s founding. However, the exemption is increasingly viewed as unfair by many Israelis.
The issue presents a significant challenge for Prime minister Netanyahu, who relies on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties to maintain his government. Attempts to codify the exemption into law could potentially trigger the collapse of his coalition. While the next general election is scheduled for November, analysts predict Netanyahu may be forced to call for early elections in the coming months.
The debate over conscription has intensified following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and has claimed the lives of over 900 Israeli soldiers. The military has emphasized a need for increased manpower, while many reservists have been repeatedly deployed.
“The whole thing is a plan to prevent us from keeping our religion,” said 65-year-old ultra-Orthodox Ephraim Luff. “We understand that it is very clear; it is not that they need us, it is that they want to destroy us as far as religion is concerned.”
(rct/AP/dpa)
