UPDATE: A tragic incident unfolded in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening when a bus struck multiple anti-conscription protestors, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old Charedi boy, identified as Yosef Eisenthal. The Israeli police confirmed the event, which occurred amidst heated demonstrations against military enlistment for the Charedi community.
The bus collided with protestors on Shamgar Street, hitting a total of four individuals before continuing onto Ohel Yehoshua Street. Emergency services from Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that the deceased was from the Ramot neighborhood of Jerusalem. The driver has been arrested and reportedly claimed he was attempting to evade protestors blocking the road.
This incident marks a devastating escalation in ongoing protests as Charedi demonstrators have been actively opposing military service requirements, which have intensified since the Israeli Supreme Court’s ruling in 2024 that eliminated a longstanding religious exemption.
Charedi political leaders have expressed outrage over the ramming incident. Meir Porush of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party stated, “It is impossible to ignore the fact that more than once during demonstrations by the strictly-Orthodox public, there is a public atmosphere that it is permissible to harm the demonstrators.” He emphasized the growing concerns for safety among the ultra-Orthodox community.
The UTJ’s leader, Yitzhak Goldknopf, extended condolences to Yosef’s family, calling the violence “unacceptable” and urging for a thorough investigation. Similarly, the Shas party condemned the incident as “horrific,” demanding full accountability and justice for those responsible.
These protests have surged in frequency as the government pushes forward with a controversial conscription bill that many in the Charedi community oppose. The current draft, which would only require yeshiva graduates to serve, is still facing significant opposition in the Knesset. Shas has threatened to withdraw support for the government’s state budget unless their demands regarding the bill are met before the looming March 31, 2024, deadline.
Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent figure in UTJ, criticized the detention of yeshiva students refusing enlistment, asserting that these actions go against the core values of their faith. “When a yeshiva student is placed in prison solely because he wishes to study Torah, it is not he who is in prison; the Torah itself, God forbid, is in prison,” he stated.
As tensions rise, the repercussions of this tragic incident could further complicate the already strained relationship between the government and the Charedi community. Authorities are expected to face increasing pressure to address the safety and rights of demonstrators.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution as protests continue across Israel, with the Charedi community demanding respect and recognition. For ongoing updates, stay tuned as details emerge.
