A large demonstration unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on October 29, 2023, as thousands of Orthodox Jewish protesters gathered to voice their opposition to forced military conscription in Israel. The New York Police Department (NYPD) faced challenges in controlling the crowd, which reportedly exceeded ten thousand participants, as they attempted to keep protesters off the roadways and manage the traffic disruption near the Israeli consulate at 800 2nd Avenue.
The protest began in the afternoon and escalated as the evening progressed. Officers struggled with barricades while attempting to direct the throng back onto the sidewalks. The situation became tense, with some officers engaged in shoving matches with demonstrators who were determined to occupy the streets.
Rabbi Issac Green, a prominent figure in the protest, spoke about the perceived mistreatment of Orthodox Jews in Israel. He stated, “Americans are unaware of Israel’s horrific treatment of Orthodox Jews. From night raids in Orthodox neighborhoods to checkpoints to arrests of Yeshiva students, Israel is persecuting the very religious people that it claims to protect.” Rabbi Green emphasized that Orthodox Jews should not be compelled to join what he termed an “anti-religious army” to engage in conflicts against their beliefs.
The demonstration was organized by the Central Rabbinical Congress and received support from various Jewish communities, including the Satmar sect. Families participated, with children and elderly individuals joining the efforts. The sheer number of attendees led some to stand on nearby trash cans and Citibike racks to gain visibility.
As the crowd expanded, protesters spilled onto the roadways, leading to increased tensions. NYPD officers issued commands through megaphones, urging the crowd to return to the sidewalks. Despite these attempts, many demonstrators ignored the orders, resulting in further clashes. Police utilized barricades in an effort to manage the situation, but the sheer volume of protesters proved difficult to contain.
Despite the confrontations, police sources indicated that no arrests were made during the event. The protest concluded later that night, but not without raising significant awareness about the issues faced by Orthodox Jews in Israel, particularly regarding military conscription and related grievances.
The gathering not only highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding military service in Israel but also underscored the complexities of religious identity and state responsibilities, resonating deeply within communities both locally and abroad.
