Chabad efforts secure Odesa posting for Breslov Hasid detained over Ukraine draft
A 49-year-old Israeli citizen drafted into the Ukrainian military after traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah will serve as a doctor in Odesa instead of a feared combat posting near Kharkiv.
Jonathan Karlinsky, a 49-year-old Breslov Hasid from Beitar Illit, faced detention at the Ukrainian border after being required to join the Ukrainian military. Weeks of apprehension ensued as fears arose that he would be deployed to a combat zone near Kharkiv. However, following months of diplomatic intervention, Karlinsky was reassigned as a military doctor at a medical center in Odessa, near the local Jewish community.
This was facilitated by Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and southern Ukraine, who tirelessly worked with senior Ukrainian military officials and Chabad's extensive network to secure Karlinsky's unusual service conditions. The new arrangement ensures that Karlinsky will receive complete spiritual and logistical support, allowing him to strictly observe his ultra-Orthodox lifestyle.
The Jewish community in Odessa will provide him with kosher food and access to religious services, ensuring he remains surrounded by a supportive and familiar environment. The community expressed deep relief at the decision, praising Rabbi Wolff and their collective efforts in securing a safe and comfortable assignment for Karlinsky.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
