UTJ MK Meir Porush will soon submit a bill aimed at protecting the religious rights of bnei yeshivos detained for “draft dodging.”

Apart from the fact that bnei yeshivos are arrested and thrown into prison solely due to their religious beliefs and their adherence to the directives of Gedolei Yisrael, there have been multiple reports of Chareidi detainees being denied basic religious rights after arrest and in prison, including being transported in police cars on Shabbos, being prevented from davening with a minyan or donning tefillin, and not being provided with Mehadrin food. In addition, the prison conditions themselves are a challenge for ruchniyus.

Porush’s bill will require the IDF to establish a dedicated wing in military prison for Chareidim, modeled after religious wings in Israeli civilian prisons that offer full accommodations for a religious lifestyle.

The bill will also establish regulations guaranteeing the religious rights of Chareidi detainees in military prison, including Mehadrin food, designated times for tefillos with a minyan, access to tefillin and other religious items, consultation with Rabbanim upon request, and exemptions from activities at times or days (Shabbos and Yom Tov) prohibited by their religious beliefs.

In addition, if a detainee’s religious rights are violated, the military court would be authorized to reduce the prison sentence at its discretion. The proposal would also establish enforcement and oversight mechanisms on the issue.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)