A Clash of Beliefs: Ultra-Orthodox Jews and Military Service

Jerusalem was recently shaken by a massive protest as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men took to the streets. They were there to oppose a new law about military service. This is a big deal in Israel, where serving in the army is usually mandatory.

The Protest

The protesters were mostly dressed in their traditional black suits and hats. They filled the roads leading into Jerusalem, causing huge traffic jams. Reports say around 200,000 people showed up. That's a lot of people!

The Issue

One protester, Shmuel Orbach, said that sending ultra-Orthodox men to the army goes against their religious beliefs. He argued that in a Jewish country, you can't force people to do things that go against their faith. This is a tough issue because many Israelis believe that everyone should serve in the military.

The Debate

The debate got even hotter after recent wars. Many people feel that the ultra-Orthodox community has been getting a free pass while others risk their lives. The government is trying to pass a new law, but it's not easy. They have to balance the needs of the military and the beliefs of the ultra-Orthodox community.

Political Impact

This issue is causing big problems for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Two of his political allies, the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, left his coalition because of this dispute. Now, Netanyahu's government is weaker, and some members are unhappy with other decisions, like a recent ceasefire deal.

The Future

The ultra-Orthodox parties could come back if they reach a deal, but that might make other Israelis upset. It's a tricky situation, especially with elections coming up. The Supreme Court could also step in and block any new law if they think it's not fair.