Dozens of Habad Students Detained at Ben Gurion Airport Over Military Draft Evasion
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Around 50 young Orthodox Habad followers were detained at Ben Gurion Airport after returning from New York, suspected of evading mandatory military service. Their passports were confiscated, and some were taken to a military recruitment center. Those detained face potential enlistment with a suspended sentence or trial and imprisonment if they refuse.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dozens of Habad students were detained at Ben Gurion Airport for suspected military draft evasion.
- The students returned from a year of study at the Habad world headquarters in Brooklyn.
- Passports were confiscated, and some individuals were taken to the Tel Hashomer recruitment center.
- Detainees may enlist in exchange for a suspended sentence or face trial and possible imprisonment.
- The IDF anticipated potential protests from Orthodox groups near military facilities.
Approximately 50 young Orthodox Habad followers were detained Tuesday morning at Ben Gurion Airport upon their return from New York. The group is suspected of evading mandatory military service in Israel. They had been studying for a year at the movement's world headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
The Israeli military was alerted to their arrival. Several of the young men had their passports confiscated, and many were held for questioning. While several dozen have reportedly been released, others have been placed under military custody and taken to the Tel Hashomer recruitment center to face military court.
According to army radio, those still detained may be able to enlist immediately in exchange for a suspended sentence. Those who refuse could face trial and potential imprisonment in a military facility. The IDF was preparing for possible protests by Orthodox groups near the Tel Hashomer base and Kfar Yona prison, with police on alert for potential gatherings.
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