In an unprecedented display of unity, hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men gathered in Jerusalem on Thursday to protest against the Israeli government’s efforts to enforce military conscription and the arrest of draft dodgers. The demonstration, dubbed the ‘demonstration of the million,’ brought together various ultra-Orthodox factions, including Chabad, which issued a call for participation in the rally. The event, however, was overshadowed by the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy who fell from a construction site during the protest. Participants, such as Yehuda Hirsch, a 20-year-old member of the anti-Zionist faction Neturei Karta, expressed unwavering opposition to enlisting in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), stating, ‘We are two opposites—the ultra-Orthodox on one side and the army and state on the other.’ The protest caused significant disruptions, with police blocking major roads and overcrowding at train stations as demonstrators made their way to Jerusalem. The issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription has been a contentious topic in Israel since its establishment in 1948, when exemptions were granted but not legally codified. Recent debates have intensified due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the government’s failure to enshrine exemptions into law. The protest also highlighted deep divisions within Israeli society, with opposition leaders criticizing the ultra-Orthodox community’s refusal to serve. The demonstration turned violent in some areas, with clashes reported and journalists attacked. Despite the tensions, participants like Michael, a 19-year-old yeshiva student, remained resolute, stating, ‘As long as the rabbis don’t tell me to go, I won’t show up.’ The event underscored the ongoing struggle between the ultra-Orthodox community and the state over issues of identity, religion, and national service.