The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine on a Moving Visit to the Chashmonaim Training Base: “A Great Privilege Has Fallen to You”
Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman came to strengthen the Charedi combat soldiers, spoke of the challenges facing Ukraine’s Jews as they are drafted into the war effort and expressed his astonishment at those who oppose service in the IDF: “Your sacrifice is a great mitzvah”
The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, paid a unique and moving visit last night (Wednesday) to the Chashmonaim Training Base. The purpose of the visit was to encourage and strengthen the soldiers and to express his deep support for the importance of military service within the new Charedi brigade.
During the meeting, Rabbi Azman spoke about the complex situation in Ukraine and told how members of the Jewish community under his leadership are drafted in high numbers into the Ukrainian army, where they must serve in a non-Jewish environment. Against this background, the Rabbi expressed his astonishment at the voices heard in Israel opposing the enlistment of young men to protect the Jewish people, especially in light of the sensitive security situation.
The Rabbi emphasized the singular character of the Chashmonaim Brigade, which proves that it is possible to combine the defense of our holy land with the soldiers’ careful preservation of fear of Heaven and a Charedi way of life.
“A Great Privilege Has Fallen to You”
At the close of his remarks, the Chief Rabbi spoke personally with the combat soldiers and praised their devotion: “You enlisted out of an inner sense of mission to protect your Jewish brothers. Your sacrifice and your readiness to serve are an enormous mitzvah that you have the privilege of fulfilling every single day.”
