More than 30 Israeli draft dodgers detained while attempting to fly to Ukraine for a pilgrimage to Uman.

On Monday, September 15, 2025, nearly 30 Israeli citizens evading conscription were detained at Ben Gurion International Airport, located near Tel Aviv. They were attempting to travel on a pilgrimage to Uman.

The information was provided by The Times of Israel. Citing data from the radical ultra-Orthodox movement known as the “Jerusalem Faction” (“Ha-Peleg Ha-Yerushalmi”), it is reported that mass detentions occurred on the way to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, where Hasidim traditionally go for Rosh Hashanah.

According to reports, eight of the detained Hasidim, most of whom belong to the Breslov community, were arrested in the morning, joining ten other pilgrims detained last week. The previous evening, the “Jerusalem Faction” updated the number of detainees to “nearly 30,” although exact figures were not provided. More arrests are expected.

As of Monday morning, 33 draft evaders were in custody. The Israel Defense Forces reported an acute shortage of conscripts: 12,000 recruits are needed, given the current tension amid military actions related to Hamas in Gaza.

Conflict with the Ultra-Orthodox

Ultra-Orthodox parties previously appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow yeshiva students evading conscription to participate in the pilgrimage without fear of arrest. In past years, they had a deferment, but with the current escalation of the situation, this was canceled.

The Attorney General of Israel, in turn, noted that the government cannot implement a mechanism allowing ultra-Orthodox citizens to leave the country.

Current Situation

Approximately 80,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews aged 18 to 24 are eligible for military service, but many of them have not yet been drafted. Under new pressure from the army, ultra-Orthodox leaders are vehemently protesting against any attempts to draft their followers into the armed forces.

Recent actions by the Israel Defense Forces represent a response to the increase in draft evasion and have sparked a wave of protest among the ultra-Orthodox population.

It is known that as of September 15, 2025, more than 3,000 Hasidim have arrived in Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year — Rosh Hashanah.