Israel Airport Authority Issues Guidance to Haredi Pilgrims Heading to Uman

Ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, Israel's Airports Authority is distributing special letters in Hebrew and Yiddish in synagogues and to travel agencies frequented by Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews. The letters aim to manage the expected influx of tens of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims at Ben Gurion Airport en route to Uman, Ukraine, and to prevent potential disruptions. The guidance includes contact numbers for the IDF's hotline and a number to check for travel bans.

Concerns exist that some pilgrims may attempt to leave Israel despite having outstanding military service obligations, potentially leading to detentions by military police within the airport terminal. The Airports Authority is seeking to avoid such situations, which could cause flight delays. The letters advise individuals to proactively check their conscription status and any travel restrictions before arriving at the airport.

Recent weeks have seen the detention of dozens of draft-dodging Breslov Hasids at Ben Gurion Airport and the Taba border crossing as they attempted to reach Uman. In response, prominent rabbis have issued recordings urging potential draft dodgers not to present themselves for conscription solely to obtain permission to travel.

The authority also reminded passengers about baggage restrictions, prohibiting non-standard packaging like cardboard boxes and coolers, and large quantities of food. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, direct flights are not possible, and pilgrims are expected to face long journeys by bus through neighboring countries to reach Uman.