Muslim Woman Detained at Ben Gurion Airport Over Alleged IDF Draft Evasion

Sabrin Danishevski, a 20-year-old Muslim woman from Jaffa, was detained at Ben Gurion Airport on October 6 as she was about to board a flight to Albania for a vacation. The detention was based on an order prohibiting her departure from Israel due to alleged evasion of IDF conscription. Danishevski was transferred to Military Prison No. 9, where she was held for 24 hours before her release.

Following her release, Danishevski stated she suffered significant psychological trauma, claiming she had no idea she needed to settle any army-related matters before traveling abroad. Her mother, Diana Danishevski, a single mother of four daughters, explained that Sabrin has been working since age 13, lives independently, and purchased her flight and hotel bookings with her own money. She asserted that her daughter was unaware of the travel ban until reaching the airport, where police, military, and Shin Bet personnel arrested her in handcuffs.

Diana Danishevski believes the issue arose because Sabrin is not registered as Muslim with the Ministry of Interior, attributing it to a "ministry oversight." She stated that while she and three of her daughters are registered as Muslim, Sabrin was not, possibly due to a "technical glitch." The mother insists Sabrin never received any draft notices, though the army claims they were sent. Sabrin was eventually released on bail after a lawyer intervened, but her luggage remained at the airport, and a 30,000 shekel bail was posted.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit commented that the army receives population registry data from the Ministry of Interior according to law. They stated the individual in question is not registered as Muslim, did not respond to previous draft notices, and did not seek to resolve her status, despite having the opportunity. Following a review of the circumstances and a disciplinary court hearing, a decision was made to release her from custody, with the IDF asserting it continues to act in accordance with security service laws.

The article also references a similar incident on September 13, where Lia Fadlallah, a 19-year-old Christian from East Jerusalem, was detained at Ben Gurion Airport while attempting to fly abroad with her family. Fadlallah, who holds Polish citizenship and permanent resident status in Israel but not Israeli citizenship, was suspected of draft evasion. Her mother, Gabrielle, suggested a misunderstanding might have occurred due to a past family residence in Petah Tikva, where a draft notice might have been sent to an old address. The IDF stated the matter was under review and that they send draft notices according to law.