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Outraged Orthodox Jews Protest Mandatory Military Service

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested in Jerusalem on Thursday after a law was passed that will compel them to serve in the military.
Image: Demonstration of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Mea Shearim
An ultra-Orthodox Jew looks on as Israeli police of the cavalry unit stand guard during a demonstration by ultra-Orthodox Jews, in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, Israel on April 10.ABIR SULTAN / EPA

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters burned garbage cans and blocked roads in Jerusalem on Thursday, outraged over the arrest of a Yeshiva student who refused to join the army. The demonstration came a month after Israeli MPs passed a law that will compel ultra-Orthodox Jews to either serve in the military or perform civilian service, bringing their 65-year exemption from national service to an end.

In the photo above, an ultra-Orthodox Jew looks on as Israeli police of the cavalry unit stand guard during the demonstration in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.

Image: ISRAEL-POLITICS-MILITARY-JUDAISM-ARREST-DEMO
Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with Israeli police in Jerusalem on Thursday during a demonstration against compulsory military service.MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP - Getty Images