- July 2, 2025
- 4:52 pm
- Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Order of Merit, Second Class, to Chief Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman. This is a symbolic recognition of the contribution of Ukraine’s Jewish community to the defense, development, and humanitarian support of the country.
The Order of Merit (I, II, III Class) is a state award of Ukraine for distinguished services in economic, scientific, socio-cultural, military, state, public, and other areas of public activity. It is awarded to citizens of Ukraine, foreign nationals, and stateless persons.
A National Award for a Spiritual Leader — Chief Rabbi Moshe Azman Honored by the State
On June 28, 2025, Constitution Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Decree No. 424/2025 awarding distinguished citizens for their personal contributions to the country’s development.
Among the recipients of the highest state honors was Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Azman, who received the Order of Merit, Second Class.
“To award the Order of Merit, Second Class:
…
AZMAN Moshe Reuven — Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine of the All-Ukrainian Congress of Jewish Religious Communities.
…”
Recognition of the Role of Ukraine’s Jewish Community
The award was presented for significant merits in strengthening Ukrainian statehood, for contributions to public life, and for the spiritual support of the Ukrainian people in times of war. This is an important acknowledgment of the Jewish community, which remains an integral part of Ukrainian society — both in times of peace and during war.
Moshe Azman wrote on his official Facebook account:
“Shabbat has just ended, so I hurry to congratulate everyone on Constitution Day of Ukraine!
On this day, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented awards to heroic defenders, volunteers, public and spiritual figures, including myself.
Thank you, Mr. President, for the honor and trust!
Light will defeat darkness!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Almighty!”
Who is Moshe Azman?
- Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine.
- An active religious and humanitarian leader who has been organizing aid for displaced persons, children, and soldiers since 2014.
- Head of evacuation programs, shelters, educational institutions, and religious celebrations even during wartime.
Award Ceremony at Sofiyska Square
The award ceremony took place in Kyiv, at Sofiyska Square, in the presence of:
- First Lady Olena Zelenska,
- Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk,
- Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal,
- officials from the President’s Office, foreign diplomatic missions, and civil society representatives.
The President emphasized:
Our soldiers, volunteers, medics, teachers, artists, athletes, and millions of citizens — these are the people whose spirit and resilience meet the challenges of our time. The war has changed their lives, restricted their rights, yet they do more than what is required by the Constitution — they act from the heart.
Recipients of State Awards on Constitution Day — June 28, 2025
| Category | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Religious and Public Figures | Moshe Azman | Order of Merit, Second Class |
| Military (posthumously) | Ostap Makarov, Viktor Polivianyi, Mykola Skiidan | Hero of Ukraine, Gold Star |
| Foreign Leaders | Andrzej Duda (Poland) | Order of Freedom |
| Volunteers, Medics, Educators | Dozens of Ukrainians | Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Princess Olga, Danylo Halytskyi, etc. |
Words from the President of Ukraine
In his Constitution Day address, Volodymyr Zelensky reminded everyone that the Constitution of Ukraine begins with the word “Ukraine”, reflecting the essence of the nation’s mission:
Ukraine is millions of names we are proud of. It is millions of deeds that together create our country. The Constitution is not just a document — it is a contract among all of us that Ukraine comes first.
Significance for the Jewish Community
The award presented to Rabbi Azman is not merely a personal honor but a recognition of the entire Jewish community of Ukraine. It affirms their humanitarian, educational, and spiritual contributions — even under fire.
Such gestures elevate the standing of Jewish culture in Ukraine and highlight the centuries-long contribution of Jews to the country’s development — from education and healthcare to spiritual support and charity.
The editorial staff of NAnews — Israel News emphasizes: recognition of Moshe Azman by the Ukrainian state is an important step toward honoring all national minorities — a gesture of unity, solidarity, and dignity during wartime.
