- November 30, 2024
- 12:30 am
- Ukraine
Petition for awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Matityahu Samborskywho died at the front in the fight against the Russian occupiers, has already collected more than 20 thousand votes. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the war they have organized funerals for 47 fallen Jewish soldiers, but the real number of losses among Jewish defenders of Ukraine may be several times higher.
Their contribution to the defense of Ukraine is immeasurable: Jews fight, help the army and defend the country along with other citizens.
One of these heroes was Matityahu Samborsky, son of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman.
His widow created a petition asking him to be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.
“All defenders of Ukraine who risk their lives are heroes. But those who gave their lives for our freedom deserve special recognition,” wrote Rabbi Asmancalling for support for the petition.
Petition – https://petition.president.gov.ua/petition/234228
Matityahu Samborski: the tragic story of a hero
Matityahu (Motya) Samborsky was adopted by the family of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine in 2002, receiving a Hebrew name in honor of the leader of the Maccabean revolt. Born in 1991, Anton Samborsky grew up in a Jewish family, where he received both a religious and patriotic upbringing.
In May 2024, just a week after the birth of his daughter, Matityahu was drafted into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. After a quick training course, he was sent to the front line. The last time he communicated with his family was on July 17, and on July 24, 2024, it became known that he was missing. Later it was confirmed that he died in a battle with Russian invaders in the Kurakhovsky direction.
Farewell to the hero
Farewell ceremony for Matityahu Samborski took place on September 12, 2024 in the Central Synagogue of Kyiv. Among those present were his father Rabbi Moshe Azman, family members and friends, as well as the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky expressed condolences to the family of the deceased:
“Today in Kyiv they say goodbye to our warrior, the son of the chief rabbi of Ukraine. This war concerns everyone: men, women, children, our parents. Matityahu is a hero who fought for the freedom of the entire country.”
The funeral took place at the Jewish cemetery in Kyiv, organized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
Why is a petition needed?
The petition of the widow of Matityahu Samborski on the platform of the President of Ukraine draws attention to the feat of all Jews participating in the defense of the country. The appeal says:
“My husband defended our country until his last breath and died in battle. “I ask that his feat be recognized at the state level.”
To date, the petition has collected 20,053 signatures out of 25 thousand required. There is only 20 days left to bring the initiative to consideration by the President of Ukraine.
Contribution of the Jewish community to the struggle of Ukraine
The Jewish community of Ukraine is actively involved in defending the country. This is not only military service, but also humanitarian assistance, army support and volunteer work. The funerals of Jewish soldiers, such as Matityahu Samborsky, are a reminder that Jews are an integral part of Ukrainian society.
Awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, 399 citizens have received the title “Hero of Ukraine” with the award of the Order of the Golden Star, of which 188 – posthumously. At the same time, only 22 petitions out of all submitted during this period were considered by the President of Ukraine.
And another 3,000 petitions for the title “Hero of Ukraine” received the required number of votes.
Unity of Ukraine and Israel
Website NAnews is a symbol of the strong connection between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples. Jews who repatriated to Israel are not indifferent to the fate of Ukraine, just as Ukrainians value the contribution of the Jewish community to the common struggle.
“Matityahu is a hero who gave his life for the freedom of Ukraine. His feat unites us,” said Rabbi Asman.
Join the petition and help perpetuate the memory of the hero, who became a symbol of the unity of two peoples.
Petition – https://petition.president.gov.ua/petition/234228
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