- April 26, 2025
- 12:40 am
- Ukraine
On April 25, 2025, Matityahu (Anton Samborsky), son of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman, was posthumously awarded the order “For Courage”.
This act became a symbol of incredible courage and self-sacrifice, reflecting not only the heroism of Anton himself, but also the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst the ongoing aggression of Putin’s Russia. For Ukrainians, including Ukrainian Jews, this moment became an important symbol of courage and sacrifice.
We have already written about him – Matityahu (Anton), son of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman, died on the front lines defending Ukraine from Russian aggressors.
Death of a Hero
Matityahu died after remaining the only combat-capable soldier in a destroyed position while under heavy fire. Despite the deadly danger, he managed to provide first aid to wounded comrades and save important military equipment. It was for these actions, which saved the lives of his comrades, that he was posthumously awarded.
At the ceremony, his wife Inna Samborsky proudly accepted the award on behalf of her deceased husband.
The Importance of Memory and Support for the Ukrainian People
Moshe Asman, the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, expressed words of gratitude and pride for his son.
In his post, he noted that Anton “died as a true hero,” and that his family is proud of his heroism.
In memory of the fallen soldier, a petition was organized to award Matityahu the title of Hero of Ukraine (posthumously). The petition has already gathered the required number of votes (as of April 25, 2025 – 25,313 votes) and is currently under review.
NAnews, as an important news source for Ukrainians in Israel, covers not only the heroism of Ukrainians but also the challenges faced by Ukrainian Jews living in Israel and supporting their homeland during these difficult times.
Assistance in preserving the memory of heroes like Matityahu is of great importance to all those who are enduring the tragedy of war and supporting their country.
Memory of Heroes and Their Significance
Moshe Asman is also actively involved in events dedicated to the memory of those killed in the ongoing aggression of Putin’s Russia. On April 24, 2025, he highlighted the importance of participating in a ceremony for Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day, organized by the Israeli Cultural Center and the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine. On this day, the Jewish people remembered the six million Holocaust victims, and for many, it served as a reminder of the importance of preserving memory and combating modern evil.
On April 23, after the Russian attack on Kyiv, he wrote:
“Today, I visited the site of one of the most horrific crimes of the Russian army — a missile strike on a residential building in Kyiv. At this moment, 12 fatalities are known, including children.
I prayed for the souls of the deceased and also for the swift recovery of the wounded. I also spoke with survivors who miraculously survived. And once again, I am convinced: this is not just a war — this is terrorism against the civilian population!
We must call evil evil. And continue to bring light — even amid the ruins.”
These words of Moshe Asman emphasize how important it is not to remain silent about the crimes committed by Putin’s Russia’s aggression and to acknowledge this evil in the face of horrific attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Recognition and Public Support
One of the significant steps was the creation of a petition requesting that Matityahu be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine (posthumously). The petition is currently under review, and many believe this step is necessary to honor a true hero who gave his life for freedom and peace.
Today, it is essential to remember heroes like Matityahu, who not only give their lives on the battlefield but also become symbols of courage and resilience for entire nations. His death was a tragedy but also a lesson for all of us about the importance of memory and respect for those who fight for a bright future.
