Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate Yeshiva student’s release in Elad amid draft dispute

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Elad welcomed the release of fellow yeshiva student Shimon Heimlich from military prison, according to a report published this week.

Heimlich, a Satmar follower who studies at a yeshiva in Elad, had been detained after approaching military authorities to regularise his status.

The case comes amid a long-running dispute over military service for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community.

The original arrangement dates to 1948, when Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion approved an exemption for 400 yeshiva students.

It later expanded significantly. In 2023, the legal framework for the broad exemption expired, and Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the state must begin enforcing conscription.

The issue has become more contentious as Israel faces prolonged military demands.