Hasidic Scholar Arrested Near Eilat Released Ahead of Son's Circumcision

A Hasidic scholar from the Skver community, Yitzchak Cohen, who was arrested earlier this week in Eilat while attempting to regulate his military status, was released from military prison on Wednesday. His release came just one day before the circumcision ceremony for his firstborn son, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem. Cohen had been detained at the Yotam camp in Eilat with the intention of arranging his military affairs so he could travel to the United States to celebrate the High Holidays with his Rebbe. Instead, he was arrested, transferred for military processing, and sentenced to seven days in military prison.

Intense efforts by community activists and lawyers were undertaken to secure Cohen's urgent release, alleviating fears that he would miss his son's brit milah. These efforts proved successful, and Cohen was freed several days before his sentence was due to end. He is expected to participate in the ceremony on Thursday.

In related news, the Skver Rebbe, who was invited to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a delegation of rabbis, is reportedly planning to send his eldest son, Rabbi Aharon Mendil Twersky, to the meeting. The Rebbe's own attendance remains uncertain. The delegation is expected to discuss the situation of Torah scholars in the Holy Land with President Trump.