#United States #New York #Orthodox Jews #Central Rabbinical Congress #Israeli Consulate

Orthodox Jews to Rally Against Forceful Military Service

On October 19, 2025, a significant event is slated to unfold in New York as thousands of Orthodox Jews, including prominent rabbinic leaders, gather outside the Consulate General of Israel. This protest aims to shed light on serious issues facing religious Jews in Israel, predominantly centering around the contentious matter of forced military conscription and the treatment of Orthodox communities.

As the world highlights the recent ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, the plight of Orthodox Jews remains underreported. Rabbi Issac Green points out that the general American populace seems unaware of the troubling realities many Orthodox individuals face in Israel. He states, "From night raids on Orthodox neighborhoods to the arrests of Yeshiva students, Israel is persecuting the very religious people that it claims to protect."

The Orthodox Jewish community, spearheaded by the Central Rabbinical Congress of the U.S.A. and Canada, articulates several key demands and concerns. One of their primary grievances is the obligation for religious Jews to serve in military conflicts which, according to their beliefs, is prohibited by the Torah. They argue vehemently against the idea that Jews should be compelled to engage in what they consider an anti-religious army. They assert:

• - Violation of Rights: The ongoing military policies infringe upon Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the right to conscientious objection.
• - Persecution of Communities: There have been reports of nighttime operations in Orthodox neighborhoods wherein military personnel execute raids that disrupt the sanctity and peace of these communities.
• - Religious Opposition: The State of Israel, from its inception, has not been in alignment with key tenets of the Jewish faith. The push to draft religious individuals into a military that is perceived as hostile to their beliefs is viewed as an affront, pushing many toward secularism.

The Central Rabbinical Congress has extended a warm invitation to community members to join this important protest, indicating its intent to raise public awareness and drive a dialogue about these pressing issues. The rally will take place from 4 PM to 7 PM EST, with the peak protest occurring around 6 PM. The specific location is the Consulate General of Israel, located at 800 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

The organizers foresee this gathering as not just a peaceful protest but a crucial opportunity to inform the broader public about the challenges faced by religious Jews, challenging the narrative that so often overlooks the struggles of dedicated practitioners under the strains of secular government policies.

As the date approaches, many expect that this strong show of solidarity, with community leaders at the forefront, will reverberate throughout the nation, shedding much-needed light on the predicaments endured by the Orthodox Jewish community in Israel and calling for an urgent reevaluation of military service policies that target religious citizens. More media interviews and information can be found through the Central Rabbinical Congress, further emphasizing their dedication to sustaining the religious integrity and rights of their community against a backdrop of increasing tensions within Israel.

This planned rally stands as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, identity, and national duty, urging all who support religious freedom to take a stand alongside the Orthodox Jews advocating for their rights.