Eleven Chabad yeshiva bochurim returning to Eretz Yisroel after spending a year in the kevutza program at 770 were detained so far at Ben Gurion Airport and transferred to military custody for questioning and trial.

Among those arrested are several bochurim who will be serving as talmidim hashluchim to various Lubavitch yeshivos, including a group to Kiryat Gat. Following intervention by attorneys representing the group, several were released after interrogation, while others remain in military detention awaiting further proceedings. One bochur was reportedly allowed to daven Mincha before being taken into custody. 

Additional arrests are expected in the coming days as more kevutza bochurim return home from their year at 770.

Meanwhile, the Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad released a public letter today calling on all bochurim to stand firm in the face of attempts to undermine the long-standing arrangement that has allowed Chabad students to dedicate themselves to Torah study and hafatzas hamaayanos before beginning army service.

The Beis Din also urged Anash to participate in the upcoming Atzeres Tefillah U’ze’akah, scheduled for this Thursday at the entrance to Yerushalayim. The massive demonstration – referred to as the “Million-Man Rally” – is being organized in response to the government’s proposed draft law and the recent arrests of yeshivah bochurim who have not enlisted in the army.

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