Ultra-Orthodox Jews Protest in Israel Over Stipend Cuts

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STORY: Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel blocked highways and clashed with police on Thursday protesting a government decision to cut funds to seminary students who avoided military service.

The unrest followed the Finance Ministry decision on Wednesday to stop giving stipends to seminary students, who for decades have been granted military service exemptions that have long stoked resentment in a country whose other Jewish citizens are called to duty at the age of 18.

The issue is at the heart of an emotional national debate.

Police arrested about three dozen demonstrators at a number of hot spots, including eight who threw stones at officers, and used water cannons to disperse a crowd blocking the main entrance to Jerusalem, a police spokesman said.The court had ordered the government to stop paying stipends to some seminary students, infuriating ultra-Orthodox community leaders who noted that in the absence of a new la