Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest at the entrance to Jerusalem
- 10 years ago
Hundreds of thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest at the entrance to Jerusalem, according to authorities.
But it's not a protest familiar to other nations, rather, it's being conducted as a mass prayer.
Israeli authorities say hundreds of thousands attended.
They're protesting a draft law could potentially end decades of military exemptions.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WOMAN FROM ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWS, SARAH, SAYING:
"It is important to tell the state of Israel that we are opposed to their political philosophies - that we feel that the contribution that the Haredi elements of society are making will help the army and through our contributions on the religious spectrum we are arm in arm with the army helping the state of Israel."
The ultra-orthodox - or Haredim - say the study of holy scriptures is a foundation of Jewish life. Haredim make up about 10 percent of Israel's population.
They say scholars devote themselves full-time to the tradition and t
But it's not a protest familiar to other nations, rather, it's being conducted as a mass prayer.
Israeli authorities say hundreds of thousands attended.
They're protesting a draft law could potentially end decades of military exemptions.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WOMAN FROM ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWS, SARAH, SAYING:
"It is important to tell the state of Israel that we are opposed to their political philosophies - that we feel that the contribution that the Haredi elements of society are making will help the army and through our contributions on the religious spectrum we are arm in arm with the army helping the state of Israel."
The ultra-orthodox - or Haredim - say the study of holy scriptures is a foundation of Jewish life. Haredim make up about 10 percent of Israel's population.
They say scholars devote themselves full-time to the tradition and t