- August 28, 2025
- 4:00 pm
- Israel
Brief Announcement: On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the largest conflict erupted between religious leaders, politicians, and the army. It concerns the trip of Breslov Hasidim to Uman and the threat of mass arrests of Haredim.
In the Jewish calendar of 2025, Rosh Hashanah falls on 1–2 Tishrei 5786.
That is, in 2025:
- Start: in the evening of September 22, 2025 (1 Tishrei 5786).
- End: in the evening of September 24, 2025 (2 Tishrei 5786).
The Jewish calendar is counted from the Creation of the World, and with the sunset on September 22, the new year begins — 5786.
In 2025, the trip to Uman for Rosh Hashanah was in question. Rabbis directly stated: those who risk arrest for evading service in the IDF should refrain from the pilgrimage.
At the same time, Knesset members are outraged by the allocation of state funds for flights for Hasidim. The army is preparing to set up checkpoints at Ben Gurion Airport and at the borders.
Funding Charters to Uman: A 10 Million Scandal
In August 2025, the Israeli government approved a plan to allocate about 10 million shekels for charter flights for pilgrims to Uman. The funds were decided to be collected from the budgets of five ministries: transport, foreign affairs, internal affairs, Jerusalem, and traditions.
The idea was to provide flights for approximately 50,000 Breslov Hasidim, who travel every year to pray at the grave of Rabbi Nachman on Rosh Hashanah. But the decision immediately drew criticism in the Knesset.
“When we are cutting expenses on healthcare and education, spending millions on religious charters is a blow to public trust,” opposition deputies stated.
Representatives from both the opposition and part of the coalition opposed it. They reminded that during the recent operation “People as a Lion,” thousands of Israelis were stranded abroad and had to pay for expensive evacuation tickets themselves. The state then refused to compensate expenses, and now suddenly is ready to subsidize the trip to Uman.
Thus, the funding of flights became not only a religious but also a political scandal: for some, it is help to the community, for others — unacceptable budget spending in conditions of war and mobilization.
Emergency Meeting of Rabbis
On August 27, 2025, nearly a hundred influential rabbis gathered for an emergency meeting. The atmosphere was tense: they discussed the fate of young yeshiva students facing arrest for draft evasion.
Activists who fight against mandatory service spoke before the spiritual leaders. They presented fresh reports from recruitment offices and the army.
Decision Made
After hours of discussion, an unprecedented resolution was issued. Hasidim of draft age were recommended to refrain from traveling to Uman if they face detention.
Five Key Points of the Document
- The draft law is called a “decree to eradicate faith.”
- Signing any service documents is prohibited.
- The trip to Uman is important, but not at the cost of violating Torah prohibitions.
- The responsibility for clarification lies with the rabbis.
- Loyalty to the Torah will bring spiritual protection to Israel.
“The army system is a spiritual trap,” one of the Breslov leaders formulated.
Political Aspect and Deputies’ Reaction
The opposition and part of the coalition demand a review of the funding. The government planned to allocate about 10 million shekels for flights for 50,000 Hasidim.
The combined budgets of five ministries were supposed to go to charters to Uman (in Moldova). But some deputies consider this an insult to society, where expenses on medicine and education are being cut.
Names of Deputies
Politicians such as Vladimir Belyak, Naor Shiri, Orit Farkash Ha-Cohen, Naama Lazimi, Yitzhak Kroizer, and Hamad Amar signed the appeal. Their position is united: the state should not sponsor religious trips, especially when it concerns draft evaders.
Army’s Position
The IDF is officially preparing a large-scale deployment of military police. The main forces will be concentrated at Ben Gurion Airport and on land borders.
The task of the military is to prevent the “leakage” of Haredim abroad during the autumn holidays. This is a kind of test for the effectiveness of the draft law.
“Israel’s security requires equal contribution from all citizens,” said Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
Society and Religion in Division
The trip to Uman is a tradition that symbolizes spiritual renewal for thousands of families. But in 2025, it turns into a point of division between the religious community and the state.
Rabbis demand to protect yeshiva students, politicians argue about the budget, the army enforces the law. In the center are ordinary believers, torn between faith and fear of arrest.
What This Means for Israel
The situation around the trip to Uman shows the depth of contradictions in Israeli society. In a country at war and mobilization, there is less tolerance for exceptions for the ultra-Orthodox.
This is not only a religious dispute but also a question of equality, justice, and trust in authority.
Conclusion
The story of the trip to Uman for Rosh Hashanah in 2025 became a symbol of the clash of religion, politics, and the army. Rabbis demand strict loyalty to the Torah, deputies demand financial responsibility, and the IDF demands equal participation from all citizens.
As noted by NAnews – News of Israel, this drama intertwines issues of faith, security, and social justice. For the Israeli diaspora in Ukraine and Jews in Israel, this conflict is a mirror of the great changes the country is going through.
FAQ
When do Hasidim usually go to Uman?
Every year on Rosh Hashanah, to pray at the grave of Rabbi Nachman.
Why are rabbis against the trip in 2025?
Due to the risk of arrest for draft-evading Haredim and the threat to their religious identity.
How much money did the government plan to allocate?
About 10 million shekels for charter flights for 50,000 Hasidim.
What does the IDF plan?
Mass checks and arrests of draft evaders at Ben Gurion Airport and at the borders.