Thousands of followers of the Gur Hasidic sect gathered outside Prison 10 on Monday evening, with United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf among those present, according to reports.
Thousands of Gur Hasidim gathered outside Prison 10 on Monday evening, with United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf among the participants, according to multiple reports. The protest, which began earlier today, is the latest in a series of demonstrations by the community since June centered on the detention of a yeshiva student who refused military service.
The Zioneer first reported Goldknopf's visit to the prison at 16:21 Jerusalem, noting he was expected to join the protest. Over the subsequent hours, his attendance was confirmed: first by a monitored source that claimed he was leading the rally, then by journalist Eli Hirshman, and finally by a photograph from N12. Prior protests this summer included a gathering on June 17 that drew thousands and featured dancing, as well as counter-protests by soldier supporters; another protest on June 18 saw celebrations after word spread of a possible release. On July 19, the Gur Rebbe met with an activist, with a decision on a further protest left pending.
As The Zioneer reported on June 17, Goldknopf has been actively involved in the protests, reciting Psalms with demonstrators. On June 21, he and MK Moshe Bawatzik visited draft evaders at the prison. The protests reflect broader Haredi opposition to compulsory military service, which has intensified since the student's detention.
The specific demands of Monday's gathering and its expected duration remain unclear. It is not yet known whether the protest will affect the student's detention status.
6 developments
- DevelopingThousands of Gur Hasidim dance outside Prison 10 in protest rally
- StrongGur Hasidic follower arrested, sentenced to 20 days in military prison for seeking draft exemption
- DevelopingCounter-protesters in soldier pants confront Gur Hasidim outside Prison 10
- DevelopingGur Hasidim dance outside Prison 10 as news spreads of expected release of deserter
Source and signal
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