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Chabad Bochur Reportedly Held Three Days Without Tefillin in Military Prison

A Chabad yeshivah bochur who was detained in a military prison after reporting to the IDF to arrange his status was reportedly prevented from receiving his tefillin for three days! Prompting MK Meir Porush to demand an urgent investigation into the incident • Read More

A Chabad yeshivah bochur who was detained in a military prison after reporting to the IDF to arrange his status was reportedly prevented from receiving his tefillin for three days, prompting MK Meir Porush to demand an urgent investigation into the incident.

The 22-year-old bochur, who had recently returned from Kvutzah and voluntarily reported to the army to resolve his status, was detained last Wednesday.

According to journalist Rabbi Mendy Rizel of Kol Barama, the bochur was not permitted to have his personal tefillin brought to him for three days. Rizel further reported that military authorities attempted to contact the bochur’s parents on Friday night at 10:00 p.m., despite knowing that he is Frum.

According to the report, the bochur was held in a military prison alongside individuals accused of espionage on behalf of Iran.

Following the publication of the report, MK Meir Porush sent an urgent letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz, requesting an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and demanding that steps be taken to ensure that similar cases do not occur in the future.

In his letter, Porush wrote that, according to a conversation he held with the bochur’s parents, the army had informed them that arrangements would be made to allow tefillin to be brought to their son. However, his father reportedly remained outside the facility and the tefillin were not delivered.

Porush called for a thorough review of the incident and for military prison procedures to be updated to ensure that the religious rights of Frum detainees are properly protected.

The IDF responded that the detainee did not experience any gap in access to tefillin during his time in the military prison.

According to the army, military prisons have shuls where three daily tefillos are held, as well as sifrei limud and tefillin — including Rabbeinu Tam tefillin – available to all inmates, along with Mehadrin Kosher food.

The IDF added that religious accommodations are regularly reviewed, including through visits by the IDF Chief of Staff’s advisor on Chareidi affairs, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that military prisons provide the necessary conditions for maintaining a Frum lifestyle.

The military further stated that the detainee was released Sunday morning. According to the IDF, during his induction process he stated that he could not serve and submitted documents regarding his status. He was scheduled for an evaluation on June 11, 2026, but did not appear for the appointment and was subsequently reported absent. The army said it was unable to reach him despite attempts to contact him by phone and through the family members whose information he provided.