Thousands of Gerrer chassidim gathered Wednesday outside Military Prison 10 at Beit Lid in a rare mass demonstration led by the Gerrer Rebbe, protesting the arrest and imprisonment of yeshiva bochurim over the military draft.

The protest was sparked by the arrest of Gerrer chassid Yechiel Kutainer, who was taken into custody after reporting to a military recruitment office to arrange a medical exemption. Because he had been classified as a draft deserter, he was arrested on the spot and sentenced to military prison.

According to reports, Kutainer’s family recently suffered a devastating tragedy with the death of his brother, Rafael Ari z”l, in a traffic accident just weeks ago. Despite repeated pleas on his behalf, military authorities ordered his imprisonment.

The gathering was organized on short notice, with thousands of Gerrer chassidim traveling from across Israel to participate. In a rare move, the Gerrer Rebbe traveled from Jerusalem to personally lead the demonstration.

The event opened with Mincha, led by Gerrer Askan Moti Bobchik, who is in his year of Aveilus for his father. This was followed by the recitation of Tehillim, led by MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, and divrei chizuk delivered by HaGaon HaRav Moshe Chaim Denderowitz.

In his remarks, Rav Denderowitz sharply criticized the authorities.

“There is so much theft and so much corruption in this country, yet the police don’t go out of their way over that,” he said. “Instead, they find the time to go after those who learn Torah. They say we are evading our obligation. Our bochurim and avreichim are devoted to Torah—are we the ones evading our duty?”

Ahead of the demonstration, Gerrer organizers instructed participants to remain calm, avoid confrontations with police, and refrain from entering private property, emphasizing that the protest should be conducted peacefully and with dignity.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)