Israeli Citizen Heading Home From Uman Is Detained and Conscripted by Ukraine, Family Says
A 49-year-old Breslov Hasid from Betar Illit, an Israeli citizen and a father of six, was detained at the Ukraine-Romania border crossing while returning to Israel after spending Rosh Hashanah in Uman and was subsequently drafted into the Ukrainian army, according to a report first published in Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) media by journalist Yanki Farber.
According to the account, the man was born in Ukraine but has lived in Israel for many years. He was stopped during a document check. Sources familiar with the case said that after speaking with border officers in Ukrainian, he was separated for additional screening. During that process, authorities determined that he was subject to conscription and took him away.
Since his detention, his family has lost contact with him. They do not know where he is being held or where he has been assigned. Activists in the Breslov community have been trying to use contacts in Ukraine and among rabbis to help, but he has not yet been located.
A source close to the family said they do not have the means to hire a local lawyer and fear that his stay in the country could be prolonged.
The case comes against the backdrop of Ukraine's strict conscription laws since the Russian invasion. Men aged 18 to 60 who hold Ukrainian citizenship may be prevented from leaving the country and called up for military service, even if they also hold Israeli citizenship and have lived in Israel for years.
Tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim traveled to Uman this year for Rosh Hashanah, and many returned to Israel through land border crossings with Romania, Poland, and Moldova. The incident is likely to heighten concerns among pilgrims and people with Ukrainian and Israeli citizenship about the risks of traveling through Ukraine during wartime.
According to the report, the Foreign Ministry told the family that it is currently working to locate him. As of publication, no update had been received regarding his release or his transfer to Israeli representatives. The Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to the report.
Jewish men at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 21, 2025. (Credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)