Tragedy has struck the family of Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, one of Ukraine's two Chief Rabbis, as his adopted son Matityahu Samborski has been killed in combat against Russian forces. The heartbreaking news comes just months after Samborski became a father.
Samborski, born Anton Samborsky, was adopted by Rabbi Azman and his wife in 2002 when he was 10 years old. He was given the Hebrew name Matityahu, in honor of Matityahu, heroic leader of the Maccabean Revolt. In May 2024, Samborski married and welcomed his first child, a daughter. Tragically, he was drafted into the Ukrainian army just a week after her birth.
After completing a rapid training course, Samborski was sent to the front lines. Rabbi Azman's last contact with his son was on July 17. Samborski was officially listed as missing in action in late July, sparking a week-long search for information about his whereabouts.
On Wednesday, September 11, the Ukrainian military officially confirmed Samborski's death in combat. Rabbi Azman shared the devastating news on social media, announcing that a funeral would be held at the Central Synagogue in Kyiv.
In his poignant social media post, Rabbi Azman offered words of comfort rooted in Jewish tradition: "I pray for all the heroes who sacrificed their lives. Their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Eternal glory to those who fought for their homeland ... Since this devastating war began, almost every Ukrainian has lost a loved one or knows someone who has been wounded. In Israel, we are also fighting a shared enemy."
Rabbi Azman concluded his message with a verse from Tehilim: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." He expressed hope that this faith would strengthen those affected by the conflict, adding a prayer for soldiers and civilians on the front lines defending both Israel and Ukraine.
The funeral for Matityahu Samborski is scheduled for Thursday in Kyiv.
Jpost contributed to this article.