Four Breslov Hasidim Detained Abroad While Returning From Uman Pilgrimage
Four Breslov Hasidim returning from the Uman pilgrimage faced detention in Romania, Cyprus, and Moldova due to military conscription, past offenses, and forged documents.
Four Breslov Hasidim who participated in the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage in Uman faced detention and arrest attempts while trying to return to Israel or transit through neighboring countries.
Detention at the Romanian Border
A 49-year-old resident of Beitar Illit, a native of Ukraine with Israeli citizenship, was detained at the Romanian border while returning to Israel. During a document check, border guards discovered that he was subject to military conscription under Ukrainian law. He was immediately taken for military service, and all contact with him was subsequently lost. Community activists and his family have expressed deep concern as they try to locate him.
Incidents in Cyprus and Moldova
In a separate incident, another Breslov Hasid was arrested upon landing in Cyprus. Approximately a year ago, he shipped a suitcase loaded with khat to Cyprus but decided not to board the flight himself; however, the suitcase reached its destination, keeping his name flagged in the system. Furthermore, two separate arrests occurred in Moldova. One Hasid was detained after hitting a local civilian and severely injuring him, with his detention extended by 40 days. Another Hasid was arrested in Chisinau upon returning from Uman after authorities discovered forged passports in his possession, though he was released on bail on Friday under the condition that he remain in Moldova pending further legal proceedings.
"We are at a loss; we reached out to all rabbis and activists in Ukraine, and no one has a solution on how to secure his release," said a community activist familiar with the case.
