Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers Use Deception, Jail Time to Reach Ukraine

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, classified as draft dodgers by Israeli authorities, have employed various methods to travel to Uman, Ukraine, for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, despite exit bans. A report by Kan News revealed that these individuals, who number over 90,000 according to data, are circumventing military enforcement mechanisms designed to prevent their departure.

One tactic involves obtaining temporary passports at Ben Gurion Airport, with some claiming they can alter photos or use a sibling's passport to bypass identification checks. Another method, used by many Breslov Hasidim, involves voluntarily surrendering to military police. After a brief jail stint, they are issued new enlistment dates and have their exit bans lifted, enabling them to travel.

However, these methods are not foolproof. The report highlights that many are apprehended during their attempts to leave Israel, and some even face rejection when trying to turn themselves in due to the sheer volume of individuals seeking this route. Videos and documentation of arrests and experiences in military detention have emerged.

Other reported strategies include attempting to tailgate legitimate travelers through automated border crossings or trying to exit via the Taba crossing to Sinai, with the ultimate goal of reaching Uman. The situation depicts a cat-and-mouse game between draft dodgers and enforcement agencies, with some succeeding in reaching the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov while others are stopped before leaving Israel.