A dispute has emerged within the Gerer chassidus regarding the appropriate response to the arrest of yeshiva students in the draft controversy, with disagreement between the movement's political leadership and activist groups over protest tactics.
Hebrew media reports indicate that the Gerer political leadership sought to prevent a demonstration Monday night outside the home of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The protest followed a large gathering the previous day outside Military Prison 10, where thousands of Gerer chassidim demonstrated against the detention of a Gerer yeshiva student classified by the military as a draft evader.
Senior Gerer political figure Motty Babchik reportedly attempted to reduce tensions, while the attorney general's residence protest was organized by an independent group of avreichim.
According to Channel 13 correspondent Yoeli Brim, the Gerer Rebbe instructed followers to intensify demonstrations with the goal of "wearing down the police."
The protest reflects broader internal tension within the chassidus. The Gerer political leadership has increasingly clashed with segments of avreichim who favor a more aggressive campaign and oppose any compromise discussions on military draft issues for yeshiva students.
Kan News correspondent Daniel Groveis reported that the demonstration outside Baharav-Miara's home proceeded contrary to the wishes of Gerer's official leadership, organized by what was described as a "militant opposition" Faction within the chassidus said to have connections to the Peleg Yerushalmi.