The Gur Rebbe has arrived at the protest outside Prison 10 at the Beit Lid junction, where an estimated 8,000 Gur Hasidim have gathered following the arrest of a young sect member classified as a draft deserter, Israeli media report. The crowd is densely packed as the rebbe addresses them.
The Gur Rebbe arrived at the protest outside Prison 10 at the Beit Lid junction and is addressing the estimated 8,000 Gur Hasidim gathered there, as of Wednesday afternoon. The crowd, densely packed since mid-afternoon, made way for the Rebbe's arrival, which had been expected since earlier reports Tuesday evening. The demonstration follows the arrest of a young sect member classified as a draft deserter by military authorities.
The protest first emerged Tuesday afternoon, when The Zioneer reported at 17:48 Jerusalem that sect leaders were coordinating a mass rally outside a military prison with police, scheduling it for 16:00. Within the same hour, multiple versions tracked the growing crowd: initial reports of gathering crowds were followed by confirmation that 8,000 protesters had assembled, and that the Gur Rebbe was expected to arrive. The Rebbe's intention to address the crowd from a special podium was reported by multiple Israeli media outlets, including Israel Hayom and N12. The protest's size and nature are unusual for the sect, reflecting heightened tensions over military conscription among Haredi communities.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday, the protest outside Prison 10 is the latest in an ongoing anti-conscription campaign by ultra-Orthodox factions, following the transfer of detainees to military custody. The sect has instructed followers to obey the law and avoid provocations, and senior members coordinated the protest route with police officers.
The Rebbe's address is ongoing, and developments remain fluid. Unclear, as of this hour, are the details of the detained sect member's case, any immediate responses from military or police authorities, and the duration of the protest.
17 developments
- DevelopingGur Hasidim dance outside Prison 10 as news spreads of expected release of deserter
- DevelopingCounter-protesters in soldier pants confront Gur Hasidim outside Prison 10
- DevelopingHamodia front page announces mass Gur Hasidic protest outside military prison
- DevelopingGur Rebbe meets with Haredi activist, decision on another Prison 10 protest pending
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