Israeli drafted into Ukrainian army receives Sukkot kit in detention

Yonatan Karlinsky, a dual Israeli-Ukrainian citizen detained by Ukrainian military police after a pilgrimage to Uman, received a Sukkot holiday kit while in custody in the Odesa region. He was delivered four species of plants and kosher food. Karlinsky will serve as a military doctor in the rear, and Ukrainian authorities granted his request not to bear arms.

Yonatan Karlinsky, a 49-year-old dual citizen of Israel and Ukraine, originally from Ukraine and a resident of Beitar Illit, is being held in a military detention facility in the Odesa region. He was detained by Ukrainian military police after his annual pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Ukrainian authorities determined that he is subject to military service requirements during wartime. Karlinsky received a Sukkot kit, including an etrog delivered from Kfar Chabad, and the other three species. Chief Rabbi of Odesa Avraham Wolff organized the delivery of kosher food and religious items. Ukrainian authorities decided not to send Karlinsky to the front line due to his medical training; he will serve as a military doctor in a rear area near Kharkiv. His request not to bear arms for religious reasons was granted. Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stambler, noted that the war has led to an acute shortage of personnel, making it increasingly difficult to obtain exemptions from service. Karlinsky's case has drawn attention in Israel, as he has lived in the country for many years, is married, and belongs to the Breslov Hasidic community.