A mass protest by ultra-Orthodox Jews against military service turned deadly in Jerusalem on January 6,2026, when a bus drove into a large crowd. A 14-year-old boy was crushed and died at the scene after being trapped under the bus. Police detained the driver and said they are investigating what happened. Authorities said the protest became violent when some demonstrators blocked roads, damaged buses, burned trash bins, and threw objects at police and journalists. Police said the bus was blocked by rioters, and the driver claimed he had been attacked before the incident. The rally opposed a proposed law to conscript ultra-Orthodox men, who have long been exempt if they study religious texts full-time. The issue has become more tense as Israel faces army shortages after years of conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure to increase enlistment, but ultra-Orthodox parties oppose the change. These parties are important to keeping Netanyahu’s fragile coalition in power during a divided political moment.

Pray for peace and unity in Israel. Pray for the Israeli government to invite the protestors for peaceful dialogue to find a solution to their concern (The Holy Bible, Matthew 5:9).

Pray for political stability in Israel. Pray for the LORD’S comfort for the family of the deceased. Pray for lawmakers to reconsider the proposed law that would increase recruitment for military service (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 15:22).

News Source: The Guardian

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