A 49-year-old Israeli citizen who traveled to Uman for Rosh Hashanah was detained at the Ukraine–Romania border during a routine document check and has reportedly been transferred to a military base near Odesa to undergo enlistment procedures.
Who he is: Jonathan Karlinsky Mashak, a Breslov Hasid from Betar Illit and a father of six, immigrated to Israel about 14 years ago. A ba'al teshuva who studies in a Jerusalem yeshiva, Mashak has made annual pilgrimages to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman for years.
What happened: According to friends and family, Mashak was traveling on a Derech Tzadikim bus returning to Israel when border officials heard him speaking Ukrainian and identified him as also holding Ukrainian citizenship. Officials removed him from the bus for further checks; he sent an email describing the incident and attempted two phone calls to his wife, which she missed. When she called back she reached only an answering message in Ukrainian.
A friend, Natan, said contact with Mashak was lost after those calls and that he was later informed Mashak was taken to a military facility near Odesa to be processed for enlistment into the Ukrainian armed forces.
Jewish men at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 21, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
Family reaction and consular contact: Mashak's wife, Odel, described the situation as deeply distressing. She says she has been in touch with Israel's Foreign Ministry and consular representatives and has requested urgent assistance. According to the family, officials told them the detention was carried out under Ukrainian law, and that the Ukrainian authorities consider the matter a legal domestic issue.
Religious and humanitarian concerns: Family and friends stress that Mashak is an observant Jew and worry about his ability to maintain religious practice while in military custody, citing an absence of kosher food and limited provision for religious accommodation. Relatives also noted that Ukrainian conscription rules can apply to men up to age 60, raising further concern about his potential length of service.
Official response: The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a public statement on the case. The family says consular staff have indicated their options are constrained by Ukrainian law, and they are pressing for assistance to secure Mashak's return to Israel.
"He has lived in Israel for more than 14 years. He is Jewish, an Israeli citizen, and he has a home and a life here. He is not just a number," Odel said, appealing for help to bring her husband home.
As this is an ongoing situation, details remain limited and the family continues to seek consular support and updates from Ukrainian authorities.
