Jerusalem completely cut off as ultra-Orthodox protesters amasse against IDF draft

[alp227]

Last edited Sun Mar 2, 2014, 04:51 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Haaretz

A massive ultra-Orthodox demonstration against the government's proposed military draft law virtually closed Jerusalem off on Sunday. Route 1 into the capital was closed to all traffic, with the exception of public transport, as hundreds of thousands amassed near the entrance to the city.

In addition, heavy traffic congestion was reported on the following roads: 443, from Modi'in to Maccabim; 443, west from the Maccabim-Reut interchange to the Shilat interchange; and 38, from Har Tov to Eshtaol

Some 350,000 protesters had reportedly amassed by 5:30 P.M. Jerusalem Police estimated hundreds of thousands were to attend the demonstration near the Bridge of Strings, at the main entrance to Jerusalem, and in the roads leading to it. Some 2,000 buses brought in demonstrators from outside the capital.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.577376

[JNelson6563]

1. Uh-oh, sounds like trouble brewing.

[1000words]

2. Traditionally, aren't the orthodox most supportive of military actions?

Seems only fair they walk the talk.

[James48]

3. They are not drafted today....

Much like the right-wingers here, they think they do their part by praying for victory.

They would not be bothered to actually serve themselves.

[iandhr]

4. A note to Paul Ryan. These people are the real takers.

All they do is study torah. They don't work, don't serve in the army, live off welfare, ay are exempted from serving in the army.


If you remember the social justice protests in Israel when they had 400,000 people in the streets this was one of the grievances the protesters wanted addressed.

The Israeli middle class, the people who work pay taxes and serve in the army are tired of supporting these people.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. No, not really

Last edited Sun Mar 2, 2014, 10:00 PM - Edit history (1)

you do not travel on the Sabbath, therefore... they tried to stop tanks during major conflicts.

Also they do not serve. Some have gone so far as to consider the State to be a violation of all that Judaism stands for, since the Messiah has not come and ONLY the Messiah can re-establish the state of Israel.

They are also a direct threat to Israeli democracy and in my opinion survival as a secular state.

Was typing too fast

[1000words]

6. I meant in a political sense.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Even in a political sense not all ultra orthodox support the state

Hell, the ultra religious party run for office, give general headaches for coalition governments, and they still do not believe the state is legitimate. It is complicated.

These are NOT part of the settler movement, who is also utra right wing, but they at least serve and believe the state is legitimate.

[1000words]

8. Thanks, nadin.

It is indeed complicated, and I appreciate you taking the time to educate.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Not a problem I was looking for a photo

they are floating on the web, but can't find it, of these loons laying on the ground in front of armor.

[rickyhall]

14. I'm confused

I was raised in both a Reform and a Conservative congregation and never heard of waiting for the Messiah when I never knew there was a Messiah to return since we were taught Jesus was not Him!

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. The messiah will come

To these loons, and they are loons, the fact that you have no messiah, means no state of Israel that is legitimate. Only God can reestablish the state.

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. You were right.

I typed too fast.

[Sunlei]

10. 350,000 protesters! I thought all citizens already did '2 years required military service.'

[LiberalEsto]

11. Not the Ultra-Orthodox men. Though there are exceptions.

My husband's sister, who converted to Haredi Judaism, has six sons and two daughters. At least two of her sons, maybe more by now, have volunteered and served in the military, even though they were exempt. They felt ashamed of not serving, so they completed their military service.

[SwankyXomb]

12. 350k? Wow.

Now why can't OUR chickenhawk teabaggers ever get that kind of turnout?

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Cause our chicken hawk tea baggers are NOT FACING A MILITARY DRAFT

which these guys are. And they do not like it.

Religious jews get an exception on service, and that is going away, since Secular Jews are tired of it.

I guarantee that turnout if we have a draft in this country. (And for the record, too many people here hurrah for military action but will never serve)

[idendoit]

17. True faith, I say! Fightin' for your God given right not to fight.

[freshwest]

18. Sounds like Romney reasoning, unless they want it applied equally, no draft at all. n/t

[yurbud]

19. PHOTO: Romney's Vietnam protest