FROM KHARKIV TO ODESSA: Beitar Illit Breslover Forcibly Drafted in Ukraine Will Serve as Doctor Near Jewish Community
A Breslover chossid from Beitar Illit who was detained at the Ukrainian border and drafted into the country’s military will be transferred from a planned posting in the Kharkiv region to a medical position at a military hospital in Odessa, following intensive intervention by the city’s chief rabbi.
Yonatan Karlinsky had faced weeks of uncertainty after being detained by Ukrainian authorities and conscripted into the military, with plans initially made to send him to Kharkiv, an area that has repeatedly come under Russian attack during the war.
A breakthrough was reached Monday following behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a safer assignment that would also allow Karlinsky to maintain his religious observance.
Rav Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine and the longtime Chabad shaliach in the city, held discussions with senior Ukrainian military officials in an effort to have Karlinsky reassigned.
Those efforts ultimately resulted in an agreement under which Karlinsky, who has medical training, will serve as a military doctor at a hospital in Odessa rather than being sent to the Kharkiv area.
The new posting will place him close to Odessa’s established Jewish community, which has remained active throughout the war and will be able to assist him throughout his military service.
Under the arrangement, Karlinsky will receive regular mehadrin kosher meals supplied by the Jewish community and will have access to a shul, mikvah and the community’s other religious facilities.
The development brought considerable relief to Karlinsky’s family and associates, who had been deeply concerned about the possibility that he would be stationed near the front.
“We thank the rabbi and the community from the bottom of our hearts for never giving up for a moment. The feeling is one of tremendous relief. Knowing that he will serve in a safe place, surrounded by a warm community that will take care of everything he needs, is everything we could have prayed for.”
Karlinsky’s transfer to the hospital in Odessa is expected to take place in the coming days.
{Matzav.com}
