This week in Jerusalem’s Bukharim neighborhood, a mailman delivering letters in an ultra-Orthodox area faced a disturbing incident in the ongoing ultra-Orthodox protests against Israel’s draft law. A group of youths rummaged through his mail cart, stole military draft orders, and vandalized them – ending with damage to his new car
Ultra-Orthodox protest against the draft law
According to the mailman, after the vandalism the youths continued to follow him while he delivered mail to nearby buildings. At the end of his route, he returned to find his car’s windshield damaged. He said it was a new vehicle he had received only a week earlier, and he is certain one of the same youths was responsible
Jerusalem police investigation
The Jerusalem District Police stated that officers from the Lev HaBira station immediately began an investigation, collecting evidence and reviewing security camera footage in order to identify the suspects. Police stressed that attacking public employees and damaging property are serious criminal offenses and that they will act to bring those involved to justice
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The wider context – clashes over Israel’s draft law
The incident joins a series of tensions and confrontations between the state and parts of the ultra-Orthodox community over Israel’s military draft law. For many in the community, draft orders are seen as a threat to their religious way of life and identity, and opposition includes protests, road blockades, and at times property damage
