He’s supposed to be getting ready for his wedding. But they threw him in jail as an example. A young chassan is sitting in a cold, dark cell in a high-security prison, locked away among dangerous terror detainees. His wedding is scheduled for just weeks after the Yomim Noraim. Instead of preparing to build a home, he is staring through steel bars, wondering if his entire future is about to be stolen from him. How did a young yeshiva boy end up in a national security prison facing a lengthy prison sentence along with the worst prisoners in Israel? It started with a foolish, immature mistake. When an anonymous online account reached out to him, he realized it was likely an Iranian agent fishing for information. Being young and easily excited, he thought he would be clever and mess around with him. He sent over utterly harmless, everyday photos like a picture of a train station to prove he was in Israel, a bakery pastry, and a bottle of shampoo off a store shelf. Nothing classified or sensitive and nothing remotely valuable to a foreign enemy. When he realized the situation was getting uncomfortable, he cut off all contact entirely and walked away. In fact, when he flew back to America, FBI agents questioned him at JFK Airport, reviewed the exchange, confirmed he had committed no crime, and sent him on his way. But back in Israel, the authorities decided to treat this absurd interaction as a high-stakes espionage case. In a hostile political climate, security agencies were looking for an example to make a point. They needed a high-profile target to show the public what happens to someone who communicates with a hostile entity. Who could be better than a Chareidi bachur for this objective? They arrested him during a protest and threw him into a high-security facility, stripping away basic prisoner rights and treating a foolish prank like top-secret treason. He became a political pawn, facing a terrifying prison sentence simply so that the Israeli government could "send a message" to the public. Through the intervention of dedicated community askanim with the help of Tzedek, Israel’s premier defense attorneys were brought in to help fight for his life and future. The defense team is working on multiple strategies to try and secure his release so that this innocent chosson can get his life back. Right now, there is only one hurdle standing between this chosson and his chuppah: Pidyon Shvuyim funding! To cover the legal defense and hopefully work out a strong deal, askanim must show that the necessary funds are secured immediately. Every dollar will go directly toward bringing this young man home to his kallah, his parents, and his future. As we stand before the Yamim Nora’im and prepare to daven ‘Zochrenu L'Chaim’ we have a rare chance to grant life to this young chosson facing total ruin. Give to the ultimate Pidyon Shvuyim today and secure yourself a Ksiva V’Chasima Tova.