Israeli Man Detained in Ukraine for Military Draft After Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage

Yonatan Karilinsky, a 49-year-old Israeli citizen born in Ukraine who returned to religious life, was detained at the Orlivka-Isaccea border crossing on Wednesday afternoon. Karilinsky was traveling back from Uman, Ukraine, where tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim gathered for Rosh Hashanah.

Karilinsky, who made aliyah 14 years ago, was traveling on a bus with the company "Derech Tzadikim." Although he presented an Israeli passport, border officials identified him as a Ukrainian citizen after overhearing him speak Ukrainian. He was removed from the bus and has not been seen or heard from since, apart from a brief email and two attempted calls to his wife, Odel.

According to a friend, Karilinsky has been detained and is reportedly being transferred to Odesa for conscription into the Ukrainian army. The friend noted that Karilinsky had traveled to Uman annually, even after the war began, and had never encountered issues, likely assuming his Israeli citizenship offered protection.

His wife, Odel, expressed distress, particularly because she missed his calls before realizing the severity of the situation. She stated that her husband is being held at a military base near Odesa and is undergoing the enlistment process. She fears he will not be able to observe his religious practices, especially regarding kosher food, while in the army. The Ukrainian military reportedly enlists men up to age 60.

Odel is in contact with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs but is seeking urgent assistance. While she believes the consulate and embassy will try to help, she was informed that Ukrainian law is under Ukrainian jurisdiction and that the detention is considered legal. She emphasized her husband's long-term residency and life in Israel, urging efforts for his return.