
MASSIVE PROTEST CONVOYS PLANNED: Up To 2,500 Vehicles Expected In Demonstration Against Arrests Of Bnei Yeshiva And Avreichim
Organizers of Wednesday’s planned vehicle protest against the arrests of bnei yeshiva and avreichim are preparing for what they believe could become one of the largest Chareidi vehicle demonstrations in recent years, with estimates of as many as 2,500 vehicles expected to participate.
A joint organizing committee representing several major Chassidic communities unveiled the official logo and slogan for the protest campaign: “Ad Kan! Ein Derech Bli Derech HaTorah!” (“Enough! There Is No Way Without The Way Of Torah!”). The logo is expected to appear on vehicles, signs, and stickers throughout the demonstration.
According to organizers, convoys are scheduled to depart at 4:00 p.m. from 19 locations across Eretz Yisroel, including Elad, Ashdod, Tiveria, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze’ev, Haifa, Chatzor HaGlilit, Yerushalayim, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Emanuel, Afula, Arad, Tzfas, Kiryat Gat, and Rechovot. The various convoys are expected to merge before continuing together toward Military Prison 10 near Kfar Yona in central Israel.
Organizers say the demonstration will include the recitation of Tehillim, divrei chizuk, and messages protesting the arrests. A statement issued by the organizing committee described the event as the opening stage of what it called a historic show of solidarity with bnei yeshiva and avreichim facing arrest over Torah learning issues.
The effort is being coordinated by representatives of several major Chassidic groups. Participants in planning meetings have included representatives affiliated with Gur, Belz, and Vizhnitz, among others. Organizers have pointed to the broad cooperation between different Chassidic communities as one of the most notable aspects of the campaign.
At the same time, the protest has not received public backing from Degel HaTorah or Shas. Organizers acknowledge that the initiative is currently being led almost entirely by the Chassidic representation, while the Yerushalmi Faction has announced that it will join the vehicle convoys.
Although final police authorization had not yet been formally completed as of Monday night, organizers said they are continuing preparations as planned. Tzachi Brim, Deputy Mayor of Yerushalayim and one of those involved in coordinating the effort, said the event spans multiple districts and therefore requires a more complex approval process.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)