Rosh Hashanah in Uman: Rabbonim Warn Men with Arrest Warrants Not to Try to Leave Israel

Breslover rabbonim issued an urgent directive this morning instructing that anyone in Israel with an active arrest warrant must not attempt to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. The ruling comes after several recent incidents in which chareidi men who received draft notices but failed to report were detained when passing through customs.

The decision was reached during a gathering of about 100 Breslover rabbonim representing both Ashkenazic and Sephardic kehillos. The meeting brought together leaders from across the movement to address growing concerns regarding government enforcement of army draft laws.

During the session, representatives from organizations fighting against the gezeiros of army conscription presented detailed briefings outlining the procedures currently being implemented in military recruitment offices and holding facilities. They provided updates on the heightened risk faced by individuals flagged for noncompliance.

After hearing these reports, the rabbonim issued a firm psak: “Anyone with an active arrest warrant must not attempt to leave the country, as doing so risks immediate arrest.” They further stressed, “Everything possible must be done to avoid, God forbid, a situation leading to arrest.”

The rabbonim also reiterated their unequivocal opposition to all forms of compulsory service, declaring the draft a “decree of religious annihilation.” They clarified that participation in any framework—whether military, national, or civil service—is strictly prohibited according to daas Torah.

Responsibility for enforcing this guidance has been placed on rabbeim, mashpi’im, and other spiritual leaders within the Breslover community. They were urged to ensure that their talmidim and followers fully understand the risks and do not place themselves in danger by attempting to travel under these circumstances.

This psak carries significant weight given the centrality of the Uman pilgrimage in Breslover life. For many, traveling to the Rav Nachman for Rosh Hashanah is regarded as a sacred obligation. Over the years, Breslover chassidim have endured great hardships to fulfill this mitzvah—crossing multiple borders by land, air, and sea to be in Uman on time. In recent years, they have overcome tremendous challenges, including strict COVID-19 restrictions and the ongoing security dangers posed by the war in Ukraine.

{Matzav.com}