More than 60 Chareidi bochurim classified by the IDF as draft evaders are expected to spend this coming Shabbos in military prison, marking a dramatic increase in the number of detained Bnei Yeshivos.

According to organizations assisting detained Bnei Yeshivos, the sharp rise comes amid a growing wave of arrests, including numerous detentions at Ben Gurion Airport as authorities step up enforcement against those with outstanding draft orders. Six draft evaders were apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday alone, while dozens of Breslov chassidim have reportedly been detained in recent weeks while attempting to leave Eretz Yisroel ahead of Rosh Hashanah.

The increase also includes a number of bochurim and avreichim who have turned themselves in to the military authorities. According to the assistance organizations, some have done so in hopes of completing their prison sentences in time to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah following their release.

The issue has become particularly acute ahead of the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman, with authorities increasing enforcement at Ben Gurion Airport and other border crossings.

The latest figure represents another significant escalation in the ongoing draft crisis facing the Chareidi tzibbur.

 

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)