Israeli Hasid Detained by Ukraine, Assigned as Medic Near Kharkiv

An Israeli citizen of Ukrainian origin, Yonatan Karlinsky, a Breslov Hasid, has been detained by Ukrainian military forces and is being held in a temporary detention camp in the Odesa region. He is awaiting assignment as a doctor to a military unit near Kharkiv, according to the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU), as reported by Ynet on Thursday, September 24. The 49-year-old Karlinsky, a resident of Beitar Illit, traveled to Uman for Rosh Hashanah prayers at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman. During a document check at the Romanian-Ukrainian border, it was discovered he was subject to military conscription. He was detained by Ukrainian military police, and contact with him was lost. His family's attempts to secure his release have been unsuccessful, as he is considered liable for service under Ukrainian law due to his birth in Ukraine. Contrary to initial assumptions, he is not exempt as a father of six; he has only one daughter. The FJCU stated that the Ukrainian army informed them Karlinsky is in an Odesa facility for deserters, where his rights are being monitored and kosher food has been provided, with assistance from local Chabad emissaries. His lawyer was told he would not be sent to combat zones but would serve as a medic at a rear base. A video message from Karlinsky indicated he feels well and is being treated properly. The FJCU noted his medical skills are in high demand by the Ukrainian army, especially given his prior military service before becoming religious and immigrating to Israel. The organization has also provided him with prayer books and Sukkot holiday items. Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the FJCU, emphasized Ukraine's difficult war and the critical need for personnel, comparing the situation to a hypothetical invasion of Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah. He thanked Ukrainian authorities for accommodating religious needs, stating Karlinsky's request not to carry a weapon was honored by assigning him as a medic, with potential future transfer to the military rabbinate. The article also notes the annual influx of tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, which has become a contentious issue amid debates over ultra-Orthodox conscription in Israel, with many attempting to leave Israel for Uman without completing their service obligations.