Illegal Aliens Impersonate Ultra-Orthodox Jews to Evade Detection in Israel

Israeli police are encountering a growing trend of illegal aliens, known as 'shabachim,' disguising themselves as ultra-Orthodox Jews to blend into society and avoid identification. While the phenomenon is not new, authorities have observed an increase in recent months. These individuals adopt religious attire, including hats, tzitzit (fringes), and sometimes curled sidelocks, to appear as members of the Haredi community.

Recent incidents highlight the challenge. In one case, an illegal alien in Haredi clothing was apprehended. Another involved an Arab resident of Ofakim arrested for car theft, found wearing tzitzit with another woman in his vehicle. In Jerusalem's Gilo neighborhood, citizens alerted police to a man in Haredi dress, who turned out to be a resident of the territories. All three detainees have had their arrests extended.

Police investigations reveal that some apprehended individuals have been involved in property crimes, including attempted burglary. Beyond theft, law enforcement is concerned about a more serious possibility: the use of Haredi disguises by illegal aliens to carry out terrorist attacks. Pini Cohen, an intelligence officer, stated that while the method is known, its prevalence is rising. He noted that achieving a fully convincing disguise is difficult, as subtle details in clothing and customs can betray those unfamiliar with the community.

Cohen explained that while some disguises are rudimentary, like attaching fake sidelocks, others are more elaborate. The ease of acquiring religious items facilitates these impersonations. The phenomenon is reportedly more common in winter when people are less observant. Even a convincing disguise can be compromised during a brief conversation or by an accent, leading to further scrutiny.

Police emphasize that the goal of these individuals is usually not to settle in Israel but to enter for short periods for specific purposes. Some apprehended individuals have claimed intentions to convert or live as Jews, but Cohen dismisses this, asserting they do not intend to live as Haredi Jews long-term. The primary concern for police is the potential for these disguises to be used for criminal or security-related objectives, particularly terrorist attacks, though the recent cases are not linked to such plots.

In response, the Zion region police have begun enhancing officers' understanding of the ultra-Orthodox community through training sessions. These sessions cover differences between communities, clothing styles, customs, and speech patterns. The aim is to help officers better identify potential impersonators while also distinguishing them from individuals whose appearance or behavior might simply be unfamiliar. The complex reality forces police to not only detect those already in Israel but also to prevent future incidents where disguises could be used for far graver purposes.