The ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem recently presented a sight one might expect from Hamas in Gaza or Iranian protesters: effigies of hanged IDF soldiers outside buildings. According to a report by the haredi news site Kikar Hashabat, three of the hanged effigies were labeled "hardak," a derogatory acronym that refers to haredim who enlist in the IDF. Shortly after the effigies were spotted, the police were called in and a firefighter crew took down the offensive display. While the effigies were being removed, haredi onlookers began to amass. Police said some of the crowd tried to prevent the firefighters from removing the effigies. Two suspects were detained and brought to the Lev Habira police station for questioning. Meanwhile, police have received an unusual green light to launch an investigation into the effigies as suspected incitement. "This is an unusual step and it was approved because of the seriousness of the incident and its ramifications," a police statement said. In response to the incident, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan posted on his Facebook page: "This is how despicable people from the Mea Shearim neighborhood choose to celebrate Purim, by hanging IDF soldiers in effigy? For me, this comprises a red line in incitement. Inciting this way against soldiers who protect us all? I will do everything I can to ensure the police and the prosecution investigate and bring the loathsome criminals responsible for this evil display to justice. We must not accept sights like these." For some time, ultra-Orthodox soldiers have been warning about increased hostility toward them in their home communities. Prior to the Mea Shearim incident, haredi soldiers have been subject to shaming, demonstrations outside their homes, and other pressures. One such soldier, Yechiel Radotzsky, wrote on Facebook: "Wake up! The incitement has been going on for years. Haredi soldiers are persecuted for their IDF service and are forced to hide behind an exemption from wearing uniforms off base. The inciters don't hide. The incitement is spilling over to the next generation, a generation being raised on attacking anyone who is different. It will end badly. It's time to put an end to this." In response to the hanging in effigy and the general ongoing incitement against haredim who serve in the army, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid contacted Erdan on Monday and asked him to have the perpetrators arrested immediately. In a letter to Erdan, Lapid noted that the growing incitement against haredi soldiers has to be thoroughly addressed to prevent such incidents. "This is revolting violence, insanity that we must not accept and must not ignore," Lapid wrote.
