Noam Shmueli, Eliav Azulay and Netanel Chabura were detained after attempting to leave Israel for the annual Rosh Hashanah gathering in Uman. Following their release, a limosine with a rolled out red carpet awaited their honor. Greeted with singing and dancing, and bochurim holding torches for the occasion. The three then joined their friends for Shacharis outside the prison.

Their release came amid increased enforcement at Israeli border crossings involving individuals with outstanding military enlistment matters. According to the Jerusalem Post, more than 60 people had been arrested at border crossings in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, with many of the arrests taking place at Ben-Gurion Airport. The IDF confirmed that dozens had been arrested.

Ahead of the journey, a hotline warned those at risk of arrest against attempting to leave Israel through the border crossings, noting that the concern extended beyond Ben-Gurion Airport to land crossings as well. Senior Breslov rabbinic leaders also urged those who could face arrest not to travel to Ben-Gurion Airport or seek to resolve their military status solely in order to make the trip to Uman.

The three talmidim were subsequently held in military custody. During their imprisonment, they reportedly requested several times to recite Selichos on Erev Rosh Hashanah but were initially not permitted to do so. Following public attention surrounding their situation, they were eventually allowed to recite Selichos that afternoon.

For the Neve Yaakov community, the release marked a joyous reunion as the three talmidim returned to their friends and were welcomed with warmth and celebration just in time for Rosh Hashanah.