Ultra-Orthodox Soldiers Attacked at March Supporting 'Sohlberg Detainees': 'We Will Never Serve in the Enemy's Army'

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals participated this Thursday evening in Jerusalem in a march in support of 63 people who were detained until recently on suspicion of involvement in the riots outside the home of the Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Judge Noam Sohlberg. Three ultra-Orthodox soldiers serving in the 'Netzah Yehuda' battalion happened to be in the area where the reception for the 'Sohlberg detainees' was held and were attacked by the mob present at the scene.

As part of the protest, a car procession was held from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem, followed by a foot march towards Kikar HaShabbat. During the march, demonstrators held signs reading: 'We will never serve in the enemy's army.' Protesters shouted insults at police officers and threw objects at them.

The 63 individuals for whom the march was held were arrested following violent events on June 3 outside Sohlberg's home in the settlement of Alon Shvut. Dozens of demonstrators protested against the conscription of ultra-Orthodox and the Supreme Court's position, causing damage to the judge's home and car, breaking windows, vases, and flower pots. The judge's wife, Maira Sohlberg, described the destruction as a 'pogrom' and questioned if it was a 'Kristallnacht'.

The riot took place against the backdrop of Supreme Court rulings on the conscription of yeshiva students. According to the indictment, the protest was organized in advance, with buses chartered to transport participants. Paskvilim (posters) were thrown into the yard with Sohlberg's picture and the inscription 'Remove your hand from the persecution of ultra-Orthodox Judaism,' and Israeli flags with swastikas were placed on the street. One neighbor was beaten and his kippah was taken.

Following the event, 63 suspects were arrested. Among them were yeshiva students defined as deserters, and the intention to transfer them to the Military Police ignited a new wave of protests in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and outside detention centers across the country. Protesters blocked roads, clashed with police, and attempted to break into the Lev HaBira police station. Later, indictments were filed against only four of the suspects, and most of the others were released.