- March 2, 2025
- 9:54 pm
- Israel
“This meeting highlighted the necessity of exchanging unique halachic knowledge relevant to the prison environment, especially in times of crisis,” said Rabbi Markovitch.
“Israel’s experience in halachic solutions for prison life will help us in Ukraine establish a solid Jewish infrastructure to support Jewish inmates scattered across more than 170 prisons throughout the country.”
How can Jewish life exist in prisons, especially during wartime? This question was the central topic of a meeting held at the headquarters of the Israel Prison Service (IPS) in Ramla,
reported by Arutz Sheva on February 27, 2025.
Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and the Ukrainian prison system, Yonatan Markovitch, met with his Israeli counterpart, Eyal Salman,
Chief Rabbi of the Israel Prison Service.
The discussion was also attended by other IPS religious leaders, including Deputy Chief Rabbi Gavriel Ezra,
Head of the Kashrut Department Shmuel Ben-Harosh, and Head of Emergency and Burial Affairs Menachem Yaakobzon.
The Appointment of Ukraine’s Prison Rabbi: A Systematic Approach
On February 13, 2023, Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Chabad emissary in the Ukrainian capital,
was appointed as the first official rabbi of all 171 prisons in Ukraine.
Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Chabad emissary in the Ukrainian capital, is responsible for religious services in all prisons across Ukraine
and provides religious support to Jewish inmates.
Jewish prison activities in Ukraine are managed by his son, Rabbi Ariel Markovitch.
This appointment followed years of work in prisons across the Kyiv region in cooperation with the organization ALEF and Rabbi Lipa Boyarsky,
who assists Jewish inmates worldwide. In recent months, Rabbi Markovitch has been working with the Office of the President of Ukraine,
the head of the President’s Office, the Minister of Justice, and the prison administration to emphasize the importance of religious services for Jewish inmates.
“We thank the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and his Chief of Staff,” said Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch on February 15.
“This important appointment demonstrates the respect granted here in Ukraine to every individual, regardless of their faith or social status.
Even those who have made mistakes and committed wrongful actions have the right to fair treatment and an opportunity to correct their deeds
and observe the mitzvot of their faith.”
Challenges Faced by Jewish Inmates in Ukraine
- Lack of access to kosher food – Due to supply chain disruptions, providing kosher meals is not always possible.
- Limited access to religious items – The war has made it difficult to supply tefillin, siddurim, and mezuzot.
- Inability to gather for prayer – Some prisons do not provide dedicated spaces for Jewish religious gatherings.
- Restrictions on traditional Jewish services – Some prison administrations do not always cooperate in organizing religious services.
Future Cooperation: What Did the Rabbis Agree On?
- Developing a kosher system in Ukrainian prisons – Israel will share its expertise with Ukrainian authorities.
- Establishing knowledge exchange – A working group will be formed to discuss Jewish prison life.
- Supporting Jewish inmates during wartime – Ukrainian prisons will implement best practices from the Israeli penitentiary system.
- Creating a network of rabbis working with prisoners in both countries.
Conclusions: How Can Israel and Ukraine Help Each Other?
Israel has a well-developed system for supporting Jewish inmates, whereas Ukraine is only beginning to build a similar infrastructure.
The experience of Israeli institutions can significantly improve the situation, especially under wartime conditions.
Israel and Ukraine are connected not only by history but also by modern challenges.
NAnews – Israel News will continue to monitor developments in this area.
NAnews – Israel News will keep reporting on Israel-Ukraine relations, strengthening Jewish identity, and preserving Jewish traditions worldwide.
