Hundreds of Breslev Hasidim Forced Off WizzAir Flight After Passenger Used E-Cigarette

A dramatic incident unfolded on a Wizz Air flight scheduled to depart from Tel Aviv to Bucharest, the capital of Romania, on Thursday. At the last moment, the flight was turned back because one passenger was using an e-cigarette. The plane’s smoke detectors alerted to the presence of smoke, prompting the cabin crew to immediately respond in the passenger cabin.

Although there was no danger to the aircraft, and the passenger explained they were unaware that the prohibition also applied to e-cigarettes, all passengers were removed from the plane by police who were called to the scene.

The plane was carrying hundreds of Breslov Hasidim on their way to the major gathering in Uman for the Shavuot holiday. The Hasidim had prepared for the long journey, starting with landing in Romania and continuing to the Ukrainian border, bracing for the arduous travel to participate in the Shavuot 5785 gathering at the tomb of the holy Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

The Breslov Hasidim’s gathering in Uman during Shavuot is a continuation of the tradition established during Rebbe Nachman’s lifetime, where his followers would gather with him during three significant festivals: Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat Hanukkah, and Shavuot. Even after his passing, the Hasidim continued this custom, assembling at his holy tomb in Uman.

One passenger told Kikar: “The flight was supposed to depart at 5:00 p.m., but without prior notice, it was delayed to 6:00 p.m. One passenger, unaware of the severity of using an e-cigarette, smoked, and because of this, the entire group faced consequences. All passengers were removed from the plane without any logical explanation or arrangement for an alternative flight.”

The damage was immense, as drivers were waiting for us in Bucharest to transport us across the borders, and everything was canceled. There was no one to speak to. Out of all the passengers, eight managed to secure an alternative flight late at night for a questionable sum of $1,000.

In the past, we’ve heard of cases where passengers smoked cigarettes, but in those instances, only the smoker was removed, and the remaining passengers stayed on the plane and continued the flight.

No response has been received from the company so far.