Protest: Ultra-orthodox Jews take to streets over compulsory military service

Thousands of Ultra-orthodox Jewish men, women and children took to the streets of Jerusalem yesterday to demonstrate against compulsory military service.

Many in the Ultra-orthodox community view military service as a form of temptation which leads to young people abandoning the life of prayer and religious study.

Protestors held placards condemning the motives of the Israeli army, with some reading “the state of Israel persecutes Jews”.

Tensions between the Ultraorthodox community and Israeli authorities have risen in recent months.