Ukrainian Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman’s adopted son laid to rest in Kyiv

A memorial service was held at Kyiv Brodsky Synagogue on 12 September to honor the life of Matisyahu (Moty) Samborskyi, the adopted son of prominent Ukrainian rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman.

In an emotional ceremony attended by Israel's ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, and Ukraine's former ambassador to Israel, Hennadii Nadolenko, family and friends reflected on Samborskyi's life. Rabbi Azman accepted condolences from a long line of individuals representing a diverse swath of Ukrainian society.

In a message posted on the social media platform "X" on 29 August, the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, Rabbi Azman wrote his son had gone missing on 24 July during a battle on the front line. His death was confirmed soon after.

Today is the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Defenders of Ukraine. Since the beginning of this terrible war, trouble has knocked on the door of almost every Ukrainian - some have lost a loved one, others are fighting with injuries

On this day, I want to share with you my… pic.twitter.com/i195XcwVLo

— Chief Rabbi Of Ukraine Moshe Azman (@RabbiUkraine) August 29, 2024

The last time the rabbi had spoken with his son was 17 July.

Anton Samborskyi was adopted by Rabbi Azman and his wife when he was ten-and-a-half years old. He was given the Hebrew name of Matisyahu (Moty) "in honor of the heroic leader of the Maccabean revolt against the invading empire more than 2,200 years ago, the events that formed the basis of the Hanukkah holiday," wrote the rabbi. After living with the family for a decade, Samborskyi lived on his own, got married, and had a daughter in May of this year. A week after the baby's birth, Samborskyi was drafted into the Ukrainian military.

After the memorial service, Samborskyi was buried in Kyiv's Jewish cemetery, an hour's drive from the Ukrainian capital.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Rabbi Azman has become one of Ukraine's most vocal advocates. He has lobbied world leaders — political, religious, and civic — in support of Ukraine. He has chastised Russians on social media and delivered humanitarian aid and military supplies. The Brodsky Synagogue, which he heads, has been a refuge for people of all faiths after the invasion.

Meanwhile, Yaakov Dov Bleich, who serves as rabbi of the Kyiv synagogue in Podil, wrote on Instagram that Yaakov Dovid, a soldier in the Ukrainian armed forces, was severely injured fighting the Russians.

"Please Daven for Yaakov Dovid Ben Yana so he should have a full recovery," wrote Rabbi Bleich.

https://www.instagram.com/ukrainechiefrabbi/p/C_ySA9yvBwn/?img_index=1

Text and photos: Natalia A. Feduschak, Kyiv, Ukraine