- September 10, 2025
- 1:23 pm
- Brief news
On Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025, a 23-year-old Haredi man evading conscription, studying at the “Chut Shel Chesed” yeshiva under Rabbi Shalom Arush, was detained at Ben Gurion International Airport. The young man intended to travel to Uman, Ukraine, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Reaction to the Detention
After the detention, he was transferred to a military prison. Knesset member Meir Porush reacted to this situation, stating that Israel has started an “iron curtain” against Hasidim seeking to visit their rabbis. According to him, an unprecedented operation initiated by the prosecutor has begun, during which Jews are prohibited from celebrating Rosh Hashanah as they do every year. Porush called the situation an “international disgrace” for a country governed by Jews.
Discussion in the Knesset
On Tuesday, the Knesset discussed control measures at Ben Gurion Airport. Major General Shay Tibb, head of Planning and Human Resources of the IDF, noted that control continues as part of ongoing cooperation throughout the year.
He added that the number of flights during the holidays for all sectors has increased, so a decision was made to enhance responses to the situation to maintain public order and continue enforcement measures.
Protest in the Haredi Community
Meanwhile, a large-scale protest action is beginning in the Haredi community against the detention of yeshiva students. A rally was planned for Thursday, but there is a possibility of its cancellation. The Councils of Torah Sages of the “Degel HaTorah,” “Agudat Yisrael,” and “Shas” parties prepared a draft letter of support, but its decision was canceled at the last moment.
Conflict Around the Letter
According to the Behadrei Haredim newspaper, the secretary of the Council of Torah Sages of “Agudat Yisrael,” Jacob Welzer, prevented the publication of the letter following a comment from the Gerrer Rebbe and other Hasidic rabbis. They noted that the text was too “warm” and did not reflect the opinion of the broader community, and instead of the word “government,” the word “courts” was used.
Confidence of the Organizers
Despite this, the organizers of the rally are confident that the protest will eventually take place, and it is expected to be held on Thursday evening.