Dozens of Chabad Hasidim Detained at Ben Airport Upon Return From US

The detainees were identified as draft dodgers. Of those detained, 27 agreed to enlist and were released after signing a court order. Another 13 initially refused to commit to enlistment and were sent to detention, but later agreed and were released on conditional terms. Two individuals, classified as "legal draft evaders" for failing to report for over 540 days, were sentenced to detention in military prison. The remaining detainees were given the option to commit to their next summons.

It noted that the students were returning from their study year abroad, dedicated to Torah study, prayer, and connection to the Rebbe, before continuing to their emissary roles or marriages.

The IDF stated that the Military Police regularly enforces the Security Service Law at all border crossings in coordination with relevant authorities. The detained individuals were identified as obligated to enlist and would be dealt with according to the law. The IDF affirmed its commitment to equal enforcement of the law and the fulfillment of the service duty.

According to the IDF, notices were sent to the students before they departed for their studies abroad, but they were not yet in a state of non-cooperation. The IDF stated that it had prepared for their arrival with reinforced Military Police forces at the airport, aiming to integrate those willing to enlist into tracks adapted to the Haredi lifestyle. A Haredi media personality, Shneur Vevor, whose brother was among those detained, criticized the handling of the situation, stating that many intended to serve and arrange their status, and that the approach was unwise during a sensitive period.

Chabad responded, expressing disappointment and highlighting the significant number of their members who do serve in the IDF, calling the focus on these students "disgraceful" and "superfluous."