Horrific Tragedy
Haredi Journalist Slams Senior Rabbis After Teen's Death at Anti-Draft Protest
Haredi Journalist Moti Rubinstein called for a thorough investigation not only into the driver but also "against the organizers of the protest, against those who called for going into the streets without planning, and against those who prioritize political power over human lives."
In the wake of the tragic death of 14-year-old Yosef Eizental during a Haredi protest against military conscription in Jerusalem, prominent Haredi journalist Moti Rubinstein has sharply criticized community leaders, accusing them of endangering lives by sending children into unsafe demonstrations.
Rubinstein, publisher of the L'chatchila online newspaper targeting the modern Haredi sector, expressed his outrage in a social media post following the incident on Tuesday night.
"I simply can't stay silent anymore," he wrote. "Today, a Haredi boy was rammed to death in an anti-draft protest in Jerusalem. The images of this tragic event won’t leave my mind. My heart goes out to the family, truly. But the pain is turning into great anger."
The teenager, identified by Israeli authorities as Yosef Eizental from Jerusalem's Ramot neighborhood, was fatally injured when a bus struck protesters blocking Yirmiyahu Street during a large-scale rally against proposed changes to Israel's military draft law.
The demonstration, attended by thousands of ultra-Orthodox men and organized by prominent Haredi rabbis from communities including those tied to Shas, highlighted ongoing resistance to expanding compulsory service.
Rubinstein pointed fingers at Haredi politicians and religious leaders from parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism, noting that they were quick to blame the bus driver while absolving themselves.
"I ask, what about our leadership? What about the rabbis and rebbes who send thousands of people, including children and teenagers, to block roads with no coordination, no security, and no thought for the dangers?" he questioned.
Drawing parallels to the 2021 Meron disaster, where 45 people died in a crush during Lag Ba'Omer celebrations due to overcrowding and poor planning, Rubinstein argued that the community had learned "absolutely nothing" from past tragedies.
"This recklessness is insane," he emphasized. "The writing has been on the pavement for a long time, and certainly since the Meron disaster... Did we learn anything? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And now, once again, we are paying with the blood of an innocent boy."
He further condemned the prioritization of political struggles over public safety, stating, "I’m tired of how every time a disaster happens, everyone blames 'the other' and avoids responsibility."
"Enough of this recklessness. Enough of risking children’s lives for political points," he concluded. "It’s time for the Haredi community to wake up and demand responsible leadership—before the next disaster."
The shocking tragedy has drawn widespread attention, with hundreds attending Eizental's funeral and ongoing police inquiries into the crash.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
