Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodger Receives Payout as Riots Erupt in Modiin
A released ultra-Orthodox draft dodger received 12,000 shekels from an activist fund as riots erupted in Modiin, where extremists successfully blocked another arrest.
Avraham Angel, a young ultra-Orthodox man recently released from military prison after being detained for failing to report for IDF service, received 12,000 shekels at a ceremony held in his honor—1,000 shekels for each day spent behind bars. The event took place hours before hundreds of ultra-Orthodox extremists rioted in Modiin over an attempted arrest of another draft dodger, ultimately succeeding in preventing his apprehension.
The "Keleh Alef" Fund and Financial Incentives
Angel, who refused to enlist due to his ultra-Orthodox background and ignored all draft orders issued by the IDF, was arrested by the Military Police about a month and a half ago. At the ceremony, rabbis insisted on personally handing the check to the draft dodger. Management of the "Keleh Alef" fund, which supports ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, is preparing to collect its first round of contributions from members. After thousands joined the initiative agreeing to pay a minimal sum per detainee, the first collection will amount to a symbolic token sum from each member.
Established about a month ago, the project aims to serve as an insurance policy for draft dodgers, providing 1,000 shekels for every day spent in military prison. The goal is to remove the sting from arrests so young ultra-Orthodox men will not fear detention, consoled by the financial reward.
Riots in Modiin and Police Challenges
The ceremony preceded a night of riots in Modiin, where hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals stormed a building where another draft dodger was holed up. Extremists clashed with police and surrounded military police soldiers. The crowd declared victory after negotiating an agreement allowing soldiers to leave on the condition that the draft dodger was not arrested.
"The ultra-Orthodox desecrated my home and the homes of other residents. This is our private home, the safest place for us and our children, which became lawless," said one neighbor.
Protesters arrived after the suspect triggered "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color), an ultra-Orthodox network designed to prevent the arrest of yeshiva students. Police in the Shephelah region investigated the events, admitting that rioters realize they have the upper hand against law enforcement. Meanwhile, residents described the incidents as a pogrom, noting that rioters entered buildings, banged on doors, and chanted slogans against conscription.
