Polish Citizen Detained by IDF Over Alleged Draft Evasion at Ben Gurion Airport
A 19-year-old Arab Christian woman with Polish citizenship, Leah Fardella, was detained by military police at Ben Gurion Airport and taken to a military prison, accused of draft evasion. Fardella, a resident of East Jerusalem who attended an American school and speaks little Hebrew, was attempting to travel abroad with her family when the incident occurred. Her family claims they never received any draft notices and suggests a possible administrative error, as they had moved from Petah Tikva 14 years prior.
According to Israeli law, both citizens and permanent residents over 18 are formally obligated to serve in the IDF. However, the Ministry of Defense and IDF typically do not draft permanent residents of East Jerusalem who lack Israeli citizenship. This policy makes Fardella's detention particularly unusual.
The IDF stated that the situation is under review and that draft notices are issued in accordance with the law. Fardella's lawyer has had limited access to her, and she is reportedly in distress, not understanding the charges against her.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
