Breslov Hasid, Former Ukrainian Army Doctor, Drafted During Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage

Despite ongoing war and security warnings, a record number of Breslov Hasidim, approximately 51,000, visited Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah this year, exceeding last year's attendance of nearly 40,000. The pilgrimage proceeded under strict security measures, including checkpoints and enhanced inspections around the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

Amidst Ukraine's ongoing need for personnel due to the war, a 49-year-old Breslov Hasid and resident of Beitar Illit, Yonatan Moshe Karlinsky, was detained at the border crossing after the holiday and transferred to a military facility near Odessa. According to the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine, authorities decided not to release him, and he is expected to be assigned a medical role in a military unit in Kharkiv.

The reason for his conscription stems from his past: before immigrating to Israel and becoming religious, Karlinsky served in the Ukrainian army as a doctor. Ukrainian authorities view his citizenship, military background, and medical expertise as highly valuable given the current shortage of medical personnel in the army.

The Federation stated that attempts to secure his release have been unsuccessful, with the army reportedly emphasizing its "great need for him right now." Karlinsky himself has indicated he is being treated with respect but confirmed his religious beliefs prevent him from using weapons.

This incident follows previous security complications during wartime pilgrimages to Uman. In 2022, a group of Breslov Hasidim was detained after a traveler photographed a military post near the Polish-Ukrainian border, violating emergency regulations. This year also saw several other arrests related to travel to and from Uman, involving various offenses from border violations to criminal entanglements in transit countries.