Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers Use Deception to Reach Ukraine's Uman
Ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men classified as draft dodgers have managed to travel from Israel to Uman, Ukraine, where they are joining the annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. These individuals are subject to exit bans from Israel, yet a recent investigative report by Kan News revealed several methods they employ to circumvent Israeli authorities.
One tactic involves obtaining temporary passports at Ben Gurion Airport, with some allegedly using forged photos to bypass identification checks. Another method described by community activists suggests using the passport of a physically similar sibling who is not a draft dodger. These methods aim to exploit loopholes in the system to leave the country undetected.
A more drastic approach involves self-surrender to military authorities. Draft dodgers turn themselves in, serve a short jail sentence in military prison, and upon release, are issued a new enlistment date. Crucially, this process reportedly leads to the removal of their exit ban, allowing them to attempt travel to Uman. The report indicates this method became so common that some individuals were initially denied entry to military detention facilities due to overcrowding.
Despite these efforts, not all attempts are successful. The report highlights that many draft dodgers are apprehended while trying to leave Israel, and includes footage of arrests and conditions within military prisons. Other reported methods include clinging to legitimate travelers at automated border crossings or attempting to exit via the Taba border crossing to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, with the ultimate goal of reaching Uman.
The investigation paints a picture of a cat-and-mouse game between the draft dodgers and enforcement agencies. While some successfully reach Uman, many others are stopped before they can leave Israel, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by both the individuals seeking to evade military service and the authorities attempting to enforce the law.
