Chaim Karelitz of Ezram U’Magenam, an organization that assists and advises bnei yeshiva dealing with military-related issues, said Sunday evening that approximately 50 bochurim are currently being held in military prison. He emphasized that most were not arrested during police operations, but rather became entangled in the system after appearing at military induction offices.

Speaking with Avi Mimran on Kol Chai’s HaMahadura HaMerkazit, Karelitz explained that the majority of those currently incarcerated were not picked up in street arrests. Instead, they arrived at induction offices under various circumstances and later found themselves facing detention.

Karelitz said that in recent months there has been a noticeable decline in arrests carried out by the Israel Police, which he attributed to changes in military policy. Aside from a handful of exceptional cases, he said there have been relatively few significant arrest incidents lately.

At the same time, he noted that many of the bochurim currently in military prison sought assistance from private individuals, attorneys, or various intermediaries in hopes of resolving their status. In many cases, however, those efforts ultimately led to legal complications that resulted in their arrest.

Karelitz explained that the primary mission of Ezram U’Magenam is to provide information, guidance, and basic legal direction to bnei yeshiva. He noted that military procedures and the timelines available for students to address their status have changed considerably in recent years, making it increasingly important to understand the regulations and their legal implications.

“Our role is not to set policy or involve ourselves in the disputes between the political leadership, the courts, and the military,” Karelitz said. “Rather, we help bochurim understand how to act properly as long as there is no clear and lasting resolution to the situation.”

He stressed that anyone who is detained or arrested should avoid unnecessary arguments and refrain from providing information that is not required until proper guidance has been obtained.

Karelitz recounted one case in which a detainee told prison authorities that he was considering harming himself, believing that such a statement would result in his immediate release. Instead, the individual was placed under special supervision.

Concluding the interview, Karelitz urged anyone facing detention or arrest to contact qualified professionals immediately for guidance and assistance. He noted that Ezram U’Magenam operates a hotline around the clock to provide support, information, and direction to those navigating these challenges.

{Matzav.com}