Senior Breslover rabbanim have issued an urgent directive warning draft refusers not to register at IDF recruitment offices or indicate a willingness to enlist simply to have their travel bans lifted so they can make the annual Rosh Hashanah trip to Uman.
The warning was circulated in a recorded message featuring prominent rabbanim from the Breslov community, amid growing concern over young men who have not complied with IDF draft summons but are now seeking a way to leave Israel ahead of Rosh Hashanah.
The issue has taken on particular urgency in Breslov, where tens of thousands traditionally travel to Uman, Ukraine, to spend Rosh Hashanah near the kever of Rav Nachman of Breslov.
According to sources, some draft refusers who are currently subject to orders barring them from leaving Israel have approached the IDF and indicated that they are prepared to begin the enlistment or induction process.
The apparent goal is to resolve their status with the military sufficiently to have their exit bans canceled, allowing them to leave the country and travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.
The development has alarmed Breslover rabbonim, who fear that the intense desire to participate in the annual Rosh Hashanah gathering could lead some young men to take steps with the IDF that run contrary to the directives they have been following regarding military enlistment.
In response, senior Breslover rabbanim convened and issued a clear message: The trip to Uman does not justify registering with the recruitment authorities or agreeing to enlist.
The rabbanim instructed those affected not to be tempted into changing their status with the IDF solely for the purpose of securing permission to leave Israel.
Their directive applies even if refusing to do so means missing this year’s Rosh Hashanah gathering in Uman altogether.
