The head of an organization that assists yeshivah bochurim detained over Israel’s military draft says the number of arrests has stabilized in recent days but is warning against lawyers and other individuals who promise guaranteed exemptions from military service in exchange for large sums of money.

In an interview on Kol Chai Radio’s “Tzav Ma’atzar” program, Chaim Karelitz, CEO of the Ezram U’Maginam organization, said most of the bnei yeshivah currently being held in military detention were arrested at the military induction center rather than through proactive enforcement operations.

“The overwhelming majority were arrested at the induction center, and only two were arrested through proactive operations—one by the traffic police and one during a home visit,” he said.

Karelitz added that proactive arrests have declined noticeably over the past week.

“For the past week, there have essentially been no proactive arrests carried out by the Israel Police,” he said.

Despite that trend, Karelitz cautioned yeshivah bochurim and avreichim against relying on attorneys who claim they can secure military exemptions in exchange for payment.

According to Karelitz, many people are being misled into believing that appearing at a draft office with legal representation will automatically resolve their status.

“Today I received a phone call from a young man who had gone to the draft office,” Karelitz recounted. “I asked him why he went, and he told me he was convinced that if he reported, he would receive an exemption and the matter would be over. Instead, he found himself on his way to detention.”

Karelitz explained that the military’s approach has changed significantly since the outbreak of the war.

“In the past, someone who was unable to adapt to military service would often receive an exemption. Today, the army says, ‘Come to us, and we’ll work it out with you.’ Most lawyers are still operating based on the old policy, but the reality has changed.”

As an example, he described the case of a yeshivah bochur whose family paid an attorney a substantial amount of money believing he would obtain an exemption.

“That young man is now completing his third detention, and he still doesn’t have an exemption,” Karelitz said.

Karelitz concluded the interview by offering three recommendations to bnei yeshivah.

First, he advised anyone without a long-documented medical condition not to attempt to manufacture medical grounds for an exemption.

“Everyone who has tried to play that game has gotten burned,” he warned.

Second, he urged families not to pay lawyers in advance if they promise a guaranteed exemption.

“Anyone who takes money upfront cannot guarantee a result,” he said.

Finally, Karelitz encouraged people to seek additional professional opinions before taking any significant step.

“Don’t rely on just one source. Ask questions, verify the information, and make sure no mistake has been made in the process.”

Karelitz concluded by saying that, in his view, the safest course for bnei yeshivah is to follow the guidance of the gedolei Yisroel.

“A bochur who follows their instructions and sits and learns is in the safest place possible. He has no reason to look for shortcuts or other solutions,” he said.

{Matzav.com}