The funeral for Ukraine chief rabbi's son
In this reporter’s notebook, we explore the history of the Jewish Ukrainian community and the life of Matityahu Samborsky, through the words and actions of his wife and father.
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Matityahu’s wife could neither kiss nor hug him one last time.
When she was brought into the hall, no one could hold back their tears. She clung very tightly to the coffin, as if she was trying to hold onto these very last moments were her hands alone.
Inside was the earthly remains of her husband, Matityahu Samborsky, the son of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman. He had fallen in combat.
Motya, as Matityahu is affectionately called by his family, was reported missing in late July, but his death was only confirmed after weeks of uncertainty. His family had to bid farewell to him in a closed coffin, due to the long wait to recover his damaged body.
Along with Matityahu’s family and fellow adherents in faith, a hundred other Ukrainians came to pay their respects at the main Kyiv synagogue.
The synagogue had not previously held public memorials, but everyone who wanted to honor Motya was willingly allowed in…
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