Dozens of draft dodgers arrested at border crossings ahead of Rosh Hashanah Uman pilgrimage

The IDF confirmed the arrest of dozens of draft dodgers at border crossings over the past two days, many of them haredi men attempting to travel to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah. Most arrests occurred at Ben-Gurion Airport, with additional arrests at the Taba crossing. The military coordinates enforcement with the Population and Immigration Authority and has reinforced forces ahead of the holiday. A hotline warned haredi youths to avoid border crossings, and senior Breslov rabbis urged those at risk not to attempt to leave. An unofficial initiative emerged to hold Rosh Hashanah prayers in military prison.

The IDF confirmed the arrest of dozens of draft dodgers at border crossings over the past two days, many of them haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men attempting to travel to Uman, Ukraine, for the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage. Most arrests took place at Ben-Gurion Airport, with additional arrests at the Taba border crossing. The military stated that enforcement is carried out routinely in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority, and preparations are adjusted based on situation assessments. The IDF emphasized that those required to enlist can regularize their status and report for service. The "I Entrusted Guards" hotline warned haredi youths at risk of arrest to avoid arriving at border crossings, noting that the risk is not limited to Ben-Gurion Airport. The hotline claimed that some young men who attempted to leave were arrested and transferred to military prison, warning that some could remain imprisoned during Rosh Hashanah. Senior Breslov rabbis called on those who could face arrest not to arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport and not to attempt to resolve their status solely for the purpose of taking the flight. An unofficial initiative emerged within the community to hold Rosh Hashanah prayers in military prison if the trip cannot take place, aiming to create public and operational pressure on the IDF. A Breslov Hasid in his 50s in Uman with five of his sons described attempts to leave through various border crossings, including Egypt and Jordan, calling it "a game of cat and mouse." A Population and Immigration Authority official explained that a technological change implemented during Passover now allows authorities to identify people with travel restrictions during online check-in.