Haredi Deserter Sparks Waves of Protest at Release Party

Haredi deserter sparks waves of protest at release party

After six days in military detention, Yechiel Kotiner was released last night. He had caused significant controversy when he was arrested at a draft office.

Released From Military Prison: Yechiel Koteiner Freed After Massive Gerer Protest

Yechiel Koteiner, the Gerer chossid whose arrest sparked an unprecedented wave of protests and drew thousands of participants to a massive gathering outside Military Prison 10, was released Sunday evening after completing several days in military custody. Koteiner walked free from the military prison in Kfar Yonah after serving six days behind bars. Family members and community activists accompanied him upon his release as he returned home amid an atmosphere of relief and celebration. His release was reportedly secured with the assistance of prisoner advocate Rabbi Shimon Shisha and attorney Menachem Stauber, both of whom became involved in the case shortly after news of the arrest emerged. Koteiner’s detention ignited widespread outrage throughout the chareidi community, particularly within Ger. He had reportedly arrived at a military recruitment office last week in an effort to arrange a medical exemption when he was taken into custody. The arrest generated additional public sympathy because it occurred only weeks after the family suffered a devastating tragedy with the passing of his brother, Rafael Ari Koteiner z”l, who was killed in a serious automobile accident. Despite those circumstances, authorities ordered that he serve a ten-day sentence in military prison. The case quickly became a rallying point for Gerer chassidim across the country. Last Wednesday, thousands traveled to Military Prison 10 in Beis Lid for what participants described as a historic gathering of tefillah and protest. In an unusual move, the Gerer Rebbe personally traveled from Yerushalayim to participate in the event and demonstrate support for the imprisoned bochur. During the gathering, Tehillim was recited by MK Yitzchok Goldknopf. Powerful words of protest were also delivered by HaGaon HaChossid Rav Moshe Chaim Denderovitz, who spoke passionately against what he described as the persecution of lomdei Torah. He urged authorities to focus their efforts on criminals and thieves rather than targeting members of the olam haTorah. With Koteiner’s release now complete, a sense of relief has spread throughout the Gerer community. Preparations were underway Sunday night for a warm and emotional welcome as supporters gathered to greet the young man whose imprisonment transformed him into a symbol of steadfastness and mesirus nefesh in the eyes of many within the community. {Matzav.com}