Haredi anti-draft protesters target new enlistment program head's home

Dozens of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) anti-draft protesters gathered at the home of the new head of the Ma'alot Tzur haredi enlistment program in Komemiyut on Monday night. The protesters, who reportedly arrived via organized transportation, distributed pashkevilim – broadsides common in the ultra-Orthodox community – to express their opposition to the program. The demonstration occurred shortly after the passing of Rabbi Yaakov Aharon Farber, the 32-year-old founder and CEO of Ma'alot Tzur, who had successfully enlisted approximately 500 yeshiva students in less than two years. Meanwhile, Israel Police recently labeled a haredi protest in northern Jerusalem as disruptive. Officers were dispatched to clear roads, including Shivtei Israel Street, after protesters refused to comply with orders. The Jerusalem demonstration was also denouncing the IDF draft. The Ma'alot Tzur program has been notable for enlisting a high number of haredi recruits in recent years.