Netanyahu Orders Solution for Yeshiva Students Facing Travel Bans Ahead of Uman Pilgrimage

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has instructed government officials to find a solution that would allow yeshiva students with pending draft obligations to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, despite outstanding exit restrictions.

During a special meeting convened today ahead of the annual pilgrimage, officials discussed the growing concern surrounding more than 5,000 bochurim classified as draft evaders. These students are expected to attempt leaving the country for Uman but face likely detention at Ben Gurion Airport due to outstanding draft orders.

The issue had previously been raised with the Defense Minister’s office, but no resolution was reached. According to Ari Kalman’s report on i24NEWS, Netanyahu said during the discussion: “They are going to pray, not to vacation — we need to find a solution for them.” He directed his chief of staff to explore the feasibility of potential arrangements.

The talks also addressed the broader challenge of facilitating the travel of approximately 50,000 Israelis — from across the spectrum of society — who traditionally visit Uman to daven at the tziyun of Rav Nachman of Breslov each year. This year, the situation has been further complicated by the lack of direct flights to Ukraine.

Another major concern discussed was the status of an estimated 10,000 young men classified as draft-eligible who regularly travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Without an agreed-upon framework, security authorities fear significant disruptions and mass detentions at the airport. Officials are therefore considering a regulated arrangement that would distinguish between religious travel for davening and trips intended for leisure.

{Matzav.com Israel}