Chabad efforts secure Odesa posting for Breslov Hasid detained over Ukraine draft

A 49-year-old Breslov Hasid from Beitar Illit, detained at the Ukrainian border after traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, was assigned to serve as a military doctor in Odesa instead of a feared combat posting near Kharkiv, following intervention by Chabad emissary Rabbi Avraham Wolff and senior Ukrainian military officials. The arrangement includes spiritual and logistical support for his ultra-Orthodox lifestyle.

Jonathan Karlinsky, a 49-year-old Breslov Hasid from Beitar Illit, was detained at the Ukrainian border after traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Border officials discovered during a document check that he was required to enlist in the Ukrainian military, and he was detained by military police. For weeks, there were fears he would be assigned to a combat zone near Kharkiv. However, on Monday, following direct intervention and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts by Chabad emissary Rabbi Avraham Wolff, who held meetings with senior Ukrainian military officials, Karlinsky was assigned to serve as a military doctor at a medical center in Odesa near the local Jewish community. Under the new arrangement, Karlinsky will receive full spiritual and logistical support to observe his ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, including a regular supply of strictly kosher food and access to the synagogue, mikvah, and other community services. Those close to Karlinsky expressed significant relief, calling the development an open miracle. Karlinsky is expected to transfer to the medical center in Odesa in the coming days.