Wealthy American members of the Satmar Hasidic movement are donating $7 million to Haredi institutions in Israel that pledge not to receive funds from the government, Channel 13 reports.
The Satmar, a large Hasidic movement based in New York, is anti-Zionist. The donations come as Haredi leaders are closing ranks against IDF arrests of ultra-Orthodox men who are evading the draft.
Earlier today, Haredi protesters blocked major highways in central Israel in protest of the draft actions.
Health care executive Joel Landau, also known as Yoeli, is one of some 20 Hasidic donors who has pledged the funds, Channel 13 reports. The outlet also notes that he supports the protest movement and has reportedly urged Haredi institutions in the past to stop taking Israeli government money.
Channel 13 reports that the donors have already donated $5 million to such institutions and were due to donate $2 million more tonight.
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