Dozens of draft dodgers arrested at border crossings ahead of Rosh Hashanah Uman pilgrimage
The IDF confirmed that dozens of draft dodgers were arrested at border crossings over the past two days but did not provide an exact number or details about the detainees.
A total of over 60 draft dodgers have been apprehended at various border points since Sunday, with many being haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men who planned to travel to Uman before Rosh Hashanah. The majority of these arrests occurred at Ben-Gurion Airport as the men attempted to leave Israel, while others were made at the Taba border crossing.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the arrests but did not specify the exact number or provide details about the detainees. The military stated that these enforcement actions are routine and carried out in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority, with the number of arrests adjusted based on ongoing situation assessments.
The IDF emphasized that individuals obligated to serve can regularize their status and report for duty. The "I Entrusted Guards" hotline issued a warning to haredi youths at risk of arrest, advising them to avoid border crossings. This warning extended to land border crossings as well. The hotline reported that those who had already tried to leave the country were arrested and transferred to military prison, with some potentially staying there during Rosh Hashanah.
The warning came as police prepared for heightened activity at border crossings ahead of the annual pilgrimage to Uman.
Pilgrimage to Uman has become a highly sensitive issue this year due to enforcement against draft dodgers. The annual event draws tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim from Israel and worldwide to pray at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Senior Breslov rabbis urged those at risk of arrest not to arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport or attempt to resolve their status solely for the purpose of taking the flight.
An unofficial community initiative has also emerged to hold Rosh Hashanah prayers in military prison if travel is not possible, in an effort to pressure the IDF. A Breslov Hasid in his 50s, who has been visiting Uman with his five sons for years, shared his perspective on the situation, detailing the various attempts at travel and the differing views within the community.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
