Israeli Man Detained in Ukraine to Serve as Doctor, Not Combatant

Yonatan Karlinksi, a 49-year-old Breslov Hasid from Beitar Illit, Israel, who traveled to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, has been detained by the Ukrainian army and is slated to be assigned as a doctor in a military unit in Kharkiv. Karlinksi was apprehended on his way back to Israel after visiting the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Ukrainian authorities refused to release him due to his past military service in Ukraine and his profession as a physician, making him subject to conscription during the ongoing conflict.

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU) confirmed that Karlinksi will not be placed in combat roles or sent to dangerous areas, but will serve in his civilian capacity as a doctor. Karlinksi himself stated in a video message that while he is being treated with respect, his religious beliefs prevent him from using weapons. His prior service in the Ukrainian army prior to his immigration to Israel means he is legally considered a citizen obligated to serve in an emergency.

The FJCU explained that attempts to secure his release were unsuccessful because the army has a significant need for medical personnel and Karlinksi's medical knowledge is highly valued. The organization has been working to ensure Karlinksi's spiritual and physical needs are met, providing him with kosher food and religious items for holidays.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the FJCU, described the complex security situation in Ukraine, comparing it to a war for existence. He praised the Ukrainian military for accommodating Karlinksi's religious objections to bearing arms and assigning him to a medical role, suggesting a potential future placement within the military chaplaincy.