Breslov Hasidim Protest New Exit Ban Enforcement at Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 3

On the night between Wednesday and Thursday, hundreds of Breslov Hasidim staged a heated protest inside Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport against a new immigration enforcement procedure. The demonstrators loudly chanted "To Uman, not to the army" and attempted to block one of the main access roads to the airport, causing significant traffic disruptions until police intervened and cleared the area without major arrests.

The protest was sparked by a major procedural change revealed by journalist Mordechai Halperin on Galei Tzahal. The Population and Immigration Authority has altered its exit check process so that travelers subject to an exit ban are now blocked at the early check-in stage rather than only at passport control as before. This change directly affects thousands of Breslov Hasidim planning to travel to the Uman pilgrimage for Rosh Hashanah, many of whom have previously circumvented electronic barriers by traveling alongside permitted passengers.

The Population and Immigration Authority confirmed the update, stating it aims to streamline the exit process by informing those with exit bans at the start of their departure procedure, allowing them to resolve issues earlier. However, the new rule has provoked sharp criticism from social organizations assisting draft-dodging Haredim, who argue it creates a bureaucratic obstacle threatening the long-standing tradition of mass pilgrimages to Uman.

In recent years, the number of Hasidim traveling to Uman for the Jewish New Year has risen significantly, with many classified as draft evaders and subject to exit bans. The new enforcement is expected to completely block their travel plans and may lead to further tensions between the Haredi community and Israeli authorities.