Counterprotest begins in Bnei Brak after mass traffic disruption from ultra-orthodox draft protest

A counterprotest targeting ultra-Orthodox draft evasion commenced in Bnei Brak on Friday, aiming to disrupt traffic and express frustration over the unequal burden of military service.

Hundreds of participants, including reserve and active-duty soldiers, mothers of combat troops, and residents from various cities, converged on Bnei Brak between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Organizers coordinated the demonstration with police, planning to block entry points to the city. A primary gathering point was the Coca-Cola Bridge, from which protesters marched toward Bnei Brak. Drivers were instructed to use Waze with a specific address and drive slowly to create congestion.

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Haredi leaders have stretched the rope too far. From now on, they will understand the consequences of their actions.

"Haredi leaders have stretched the rope too far. From now on, they will understand the consequences of their actions," declared Ilai Harsgor Hendin, chairman of the "Free Seculars" movement and a protest leader. He emphasized that the demonstration seeks to ensure that Bnei Brak residents experience the same anger and inconvenience caused by road blockages from Haredi protests. Hendin added, "We will no longer accept institutionalized draft evasion while our soldiers are falling in Lebanon. We will not accept continued looting of public funds or discrimination between Haredim and the rest of the population."

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We will no longer accept institutionalized draft evasion while our soldiers are falling in Lebanon. We will not accept continued looting of public funds or discrimination between Haredim and the rest of the population.

A convoy of vehicles also departed from Kfar Yona toward Bnei Brak, joined by residents who had experienced traffic disruptions over the past week due to Haredi demonstrations. "Within less than an hour, hundreds of people are expected to arrive who are saying enough to draft evasion from the IDF while our soldiers are fighting," Harsgor Hendin stated. He also highlighted the frustration of those who work, serve, and pay taxes, only to be stuck in traffic for hours.

Organizers noted that some residents in Bnei Brak had begun preparing for Shabbat early due to concerns about the anticipated disruptions. The protest aims to convey a message that secular Israelis are fed up with draft evasion and the perceived misuse of public funds, demanding an end to discrimination and an equal share of the burden.

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Within less than an hour, hundreds of people are expected to arrive who are saying enough to draft evasion from the IDF while our soldiers are fighting.