Israel Closes Loophole Preventing Draft-Dodging Haredim From Flying to Uman

The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority recently changed the exit procedures from Israel to prevent draft-dodging Haredi men, who have exit delay orders against them, from circumventing controls and leaving the country. Previously, the exit delay order was only checked at passport control at the airport, which some Haredi draft dodgers bypassed by following closely behind travelers without such orders, allowing them to pass through the automated gate.

Under the new system, individuals with exit delay orders cannot even register for flights or check in at the airport. Airlines now receive an early indication if a passenger is subject to an exit delay order, blocking their ability to board flights and leave Israel. This change has caused anger among Haredi draft-dodger organizations, especially as preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah are underway. Thousands of draft-dodging Haredim who previously hoped to leave using the old method are now expected to be unable to travel.

The Population and Immigration Authority confirmed the change, stating that in recent months they have streamlined the exit process so that those with exit delay orders are informed at the start of the exit procedure rather than at the end, allowing them to resolve the issue before attempting to leave the country.