Breslov Hasidim Explore Plan to Let Draft Dodgers Travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

Ahead of the massive pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, Breslov Hasidic leaders are considering a plan to enable thousands of young men classified as draft dodgers to leave Israel. These individuals are currently barred from travel due to exit bans linked to their military service evasion. According to journalist Mordechai Halperin on Galei Tzahal, recent discussions among senior rabbis and community activists have focused on a strategy whereby these young men would initially report to military recruitment offices to lift their exit bans without completing the enlistment process after returning.

The proposed approach involves the draft dodgers appearing at recruitment offices, receiving a preliminary draft order, and thereby having their travel restrictions removed. This would allow them to travel to Ukraine for the traditional pilgrimage to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's tomb in Uman. Sources involved in the talks acknowledged this is a tactical move, as the young men are not expected to continue or complete the enlistment process once abroad.

These deliberations come amid concerns that intensified enforcement against draft evaders could significantly reduce the number of Hasidim able to participate in the annual gathering. Meetings have included rabbis affiliated with the "Assistance and Advice" organization and Rabbi Shimon Shisha, known in the ultra-Orthodox community as the "Father of the Prisoners." Rabbi Shmuel Moshe Kramer, a senior Breslov spiritual leader, expressed confidence that despite obstacles, a solution will be found to maintain the tradition. He noted that every year efforts are made to prevent the pilgrimage, yet the Hasidim manage to reach Uman by various means.