Photos: Geve Penn
Israel is reportedly arresting Orthodox Jews who refuse to join the military. This weekend, many in New York’s Orthodox Jewish community said enough.
Tens of Thousands of Orthodox Jews rallied outside the Israeli consulate yesterday. They brought awareness to the public on these key issues:
- Israel forces the religious faithful to serve in wars for a state that is forbidden by the Torah.
- Israel is conducting night raids and arrests in Orthodox communities, forcing Orthodox Jews to join the military.
- The current Israeli military policies violate Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights–conscientious objection is a protected right.
- Orthodox Jews were in Israel before the state of Israel was formed. Now, they are struggling to flee Israel, which is unsafe for religious Jews. Every day, Orthodox Jews in America are hearing from Israeli Orthodox Jews who are struggling to escape Israel and find refuge in another country.
They demanded that Israel stop this violation of human rights.
Rabbi Isaac Green delivered this statement:
“Israel claims to protect Jews, but it is the only nation that forces Orthodox Jews to violate their religion and fight in violent wars, which have led to the slaughter of Jews and other innocent people,” says Rabbi Issac Green.
“Since the inception of the State of Israel, Orthodox Jews were exempt from serving in the Israel Defense Forces, because it’s a violation of their religion. In recent years, Israel changed that practice, which means that Orthodox Jews are now forced to choose between their religion or imprisonment. Israel is arresting Yeshiva students and performing night raids in Orthodox communities. This violation of human rights must stop now.
“Today, we stand outside the Consulate, protesting against Israel’s anti-Jewish policies. Orthodox Jews worldwide call for a Ceasefire, to stop persecuting our brethren in Israel. End war, peace now.”
