Rabbis Warn IDF Draft Evaders to Avoid Ben Gurion Airport Ahead of Uman Pilgrimage
Breslov rabbis Shalom Arush and Natan Efrain Koenig warned draft evaders and those with exit bans to avoid Ben Gurion Airport. Military police and immigration checkpoints have been set up to arrest wanted individuals.
Ahead of the mass pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, prominent Breslov rabbis Shalom Arush and Natan Efrain Koenig issued a special letter to travelers. The warning specifically targets military-age youth and individuals facing arrest warrants or exit bans.
The rabbis urged anyone classified as a draft evader, or those with active military summonses and travel restrictions, to completely avoid approaching the airport.
The rabbis warned:
"Military police and immigration authority checkpoints have been deployed around Ben Gurion Airport, conducting strict inspections. The arrival of anyone wanted by military authorities at the airport could result in immediate arrest, total cancellation of the trip, deep sorrow for their families, and a terrible desecration of God's name."
In addition to the draft issue, the letter addressed the complex overland journey to Uman through various transit countries. The rabbis reminded travelers that the route is long with multiple transit points, calling on pilgrims to show patience, obey security personnel, and act with full responsibility.
