Israeli Breslov Hasid Drafted into Ukrainian Army as Doctor

An Israeli citizen of Ukrainian origin, Yonatan Karlinsky, a Breslov Hasid, has been drafted into the Ukrainian army and is slated to serve as a doctor near the city of Kharkiv. Karlinsky, 49, who resides in Beitar Illit, was detained by Ukrainian military police about a week and a half ago at the Romanian-Ukrainian border while attempting to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. It was discovered that he was subject to conscription as a Ukrainian-born citizen. His family's efforts to secure his release were unsuccessful, as Ukrainian law mandates service for its nationals. Contrary to initial assumptions, he is not exempt as a father of six, as he has only one child.

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU) confirmed that Karlinsky is being held in a deserters' detention facility in Odesa. He is receiving kosher food and his rights are being upheld with the assistance of local Chabad and chief rabbis. The army informed the FJCU that Karlinsky will not be deployed to active combat zones but to a rear base, where his medical skills are needed. Karlinsky stated in a military-released video that he is being treated decently and is in good condition.

According to the FJCU, Karlinsky's medical knowledge and the army's significant shortage of medical personnel make him valuable. His prior military service before becoming religiously observant also contributes to the army's decision to retain him. The organization has provided him with kosher food, prayer books, and Sukkot holiday items. Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the FJCU, emphasized Ukraine's ongoing war and the resulting manpower shortage, stating that "no exemptions are possible." He likened the situation to Hamas and Hezbollah invading Israel and being unable to repel them after five years, calling it an existential war. Stambler expressed gratitude for Ukraine's consideration of religious needs, noting that Karlinsky was assigned as a doctor instead of being given a weapon, and suggested potential future integration into the Ukrainian military rabbinate.