Over 60 individuals avoiding military service were detained at various border checkpoints since Sunday, primarily ultra-Orthodox men attempting to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. The majority of these detentions occurred at Ben-Gurion Airport, with additional arrests reported at the Taba crossing.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that numerous draft evaders were apprehended but withheld specific numbers or information regarding the detainees. The military stated that such operations are conducted in partnership with the Population and Immigration Authority and are based on real-time intelligence evaluations.
The IDF emphasized that individuals subject to conscription may resolve their status by reporting for duty.
The “I Entrusted Guards” hotline cautioned haredi youths against approaching border crossings, noting that enforcement extends beyond Ben-Gurion Airport to land crossings as well.
Pilgrimage Amidst Enforcement Measures Becomes Increasingly Complex
Annually, tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim journey to Uman, Ukraine, to commemorate Rosh Hashanah at the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. This year, heightened scrutiny of draft evaders has intensified tensions within the community.
Leading Breslov rabbis have advised those at risk of arrest to avoid Ben-Gurion Airport and refrain from seeking last-minute clearance solely for travel. Concurrently, an informal plan has emerged among some community members to conduct Rosh Hashanah services inside military prisons if entry is denied, aiming to apply public and logistical pressure on the IDF.
“It Is Something Deeply Rooted in Our Souls”
A Breslov Hasid in his fifties, currently in Uman with five of his sons, shared with Walla: “Many young men have made this journey annually since childhood; reaching Uman holds profound spiritual significance for them.”
He noted that while some youths adhere to rabbinical guidance and remain in Israel, others express willingness to face personal consequences to fulfill the tradition.
He described efforts to exit via alternative routes, including Egypt and Jordan, under the belief that screening processes vary across locations. “It’s like a cat-and-mouse game,” he remarked.
His youngest son, aged 24, stayed behind due to his military obligations, while two older sons serve in the IDF.
Military policing is being carried out jointly with the Population and Immigration Authority, following standard procedures but with increased readiness ahead of the holiday.
Individuals absent from service for extended periods are typically referred to a military tribunal, where detention orders may be issued. The IDF did not disclose how many detainees were incarcerated.
An official from the Population and Immigration Authority explained that restrictions apply automatically when flagged in their system, regardless of origin. “In cases involving military directives, we alert the relevant branch, which then makes the decision to detain,” the official said.
The official also mentioned that updated technology introduced during Passover enables identification of individuals under travel bans even during online check-ins.
A 19-year-old en route from Poland to Uman told *Walla* that arrests dominate discussions among travelers.
“Dozens of men being detained isn’t insignificant—it likely represents a large portion of evaders planning to arrive,” he estimated.
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