Unusual Alliance Forms Between Breslov and the Peleg Faction to Help Travelers Reach Uman

A surprising collaboration has emerged between the Breslover community and the Peleg Yerushalmi faction as they work together to assist individuals with travel restrictions who hope to spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman.

In recent months, dozens of young Breslover chassidim with active arrest warrants turned themselves in to military prisons, believing that serving short terms would remove their exit bans and allow them to travel. However, for many, this strategy backfired — once released, some were immediately drafted following their initial meeting with army authorities.

According to a report by Daniel Grobeis on Galei Tzahal, this led Peleg activists to take action. In coordination with certain Breslover rabbonim, they set up a dedicated information hotline. The hotline advises callers to avoid any direct contact with the IDF and provides guidance on who may still be able to travel to Uman.

During conversations with the hotline, some operators suggest alternative approaches. One commonly promoted strategy is for those who have draft notices but no active arrest warrant to present themselves at the Bakum enlistment office, begin the registration process, and request a draft date scheduled after Rosh Hashanah. The hotline claims that upon returning from Ukraine, they can assist these travelers in securing a full exemption from military service.

Another option discussed involves borrowing a passport from someone without an exit restriction and attempting to use it at Ben Gurion Airport. Hotline operators acknowledge that many successfully traveled this way last year but warn that this method carries significant risks.

The Peleg’s hotline emphasizes a hardline stance: it firmly instructs callers not to report to the army under any circumstances, contrary to the advice offered by certain Breslover representatives. Meanwhile, more moderate voices within Breslov are urging followers not to travel to Uman this year at all.

At the same time, more radical Breslov factions are preparing for protests in coordination with Peleg activists at Ben Gurion Airport, should authorities intensify enforcement efforts.

In response to criticism, representatives of the Peleg hotline stated: “Every activity of the hotline operates strictly within the law. The rabbonim’s clear instructions are not to report to enlistment offices under any circumstances. When the state blocks the legal paths to travel and prevents Yidden from going to Uman to daven, it should not be surprised if some seek alternative solutions that fall outside of the legal framework.”

{Matzav.com Israel}