More than 60 Chareidi bochurim classified by the IDF as draft evaders are expected to spend this coming Shabbos in military prison, marking a dramatic increase in the number of detained Bnei Yeshivos.
According to organizations assisting detained Bnei Yeshivos, the sharp rise comes amid a growing wave of arrests, including numerous detentions at Ben Gurion Airport as authorities step up enforcement against those with outstanding draft orders. Six draft evaders were apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday alone, while dozens of Breslov chassidim have reportedly been detained in recent weeks while attempting to leave Eretz Yisroel ahead of Rosh Hashanah.
The increase also includes a number of bochurim and avreichim who have turned themselves in to the military authorities. According to the assistance organizations, some have done so in hopes of completing their prison sentences in time to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah following their release.
The issue has become particularly acute ahead of the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman, with authorities increasing enforcement at Ben Gurion Airport and other border crossings.
The latest figure represents another significant escalation in the ongoing draft crisis facing the Chareidi tzibbur.
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
4 Responses
The Jewish state that imprisons Torah learners following the rabbis and giving free passports and health insurance to terrorists and their families
I, like Bennet, am not in favor of arrests. The correct way to handle this issue is to stop funding it.
If even just 1 בחור is חס ושלום in prison over ראש-השנה, what a terrifying קיטרוג this would be upon maira baharav & every judge on the Supreme court & upon the prison authorities
@Stillme. Who are you to argue with our Gedolim? Why should they lose funding? They are learning Torah and that way protect the country at least as much as the soldiers on the field, if not more, You think like Bennet? Shame on you!