Israeli-Ukrainian visiting Uman for Rosh Hashanah detained, conscripted into Ukrainian military

According to the report, the man, who was born in Ukraine but is an Israeli citizen who has lived in Israel for many years, was detained during a document check.

A 49-year-old Breslov Hassid from Betar Illit, a father of six, was arrested at the Ukraine-Romania border crossing while returning to Israel after spending Rosh Hashanah in Uman, and was drafted into the Ukrainian army, according to a report first published in haredi (ultra-Orthodox) media by journalist Yanki Farber.

According to the report, the man, who was born in Ukraine and is an Israeli citizen who has lived in Betar Illit for many years, was detained 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 which authorities determined that he was subject to conscription and took him away.

Since his arrest, his family has lost contact with him and does not know where he is being held or where he was assigned. Activists in the Breslov community are trying to use contacts in Ukraine and among rabbis to help, but he has yet to be 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.

Foreign Ministry seeking missing hassid in Ukraine

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 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 Hassidim traveled to Uman this year for Rosh Hashanah, and many returned to Israel through land border crossings with Romania, Poland, and Moldova.