Orthodox NYC Jews protest proposed Israeli draft, say they don't want to join secular army
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A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews is staging a mass prayer in New York City to protest Israel's proposal to draft strictly religious citizens into its army.
Sunday's gathering in Manhattan brings together a community of New York's most Orthodox Jews. They're based in Brooklyn and in the village of Kiryas Joel (KEER'-yahs joh-EHL') in Orange County, north of the city.
Protester Yitz Farkas (yihtz FAHR'-kahs), an American citizen, says religious Jews should not be forced to join a secular army. Protesters also say they're against Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They believe Israel should exist only after their Messiah arrives.
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On Sunday, organizers said they would honor their tradition of separating men from women at religious events by doing the same at the rally.