Ukrainian President Awarded Rabbi Azman with the Order of Merit, 2nd Class

The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, received the Order of Merit II degree from President Zelensky. Let’s examine why this award became a key event in strengthening relations between the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples.

The Award as a Symbol of Unity

On the occasion of Ukrainian Statehood Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky honored Ukrainian warriors with the highest state awards, including “Heroes of Ukraine,” presented orders to the families of the fallen, handed over battle flags, distinctions “For Courage and Bravery” and honorary ribbons to unit commanders, as well as awards to civilian Ukrainian men and women.

In addition, the President awarded state honors to representatives of the clergy, local authorities and business, journalists, educators, and energy sector workers.

Foreign guests who were visiting Ukraine were present at the ceremony — the US President’s Special Representative for Ukraine, Kit Kellogg, and the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa.

On July 15, 2025, in Kyiv, against the backdrop of colorful ceremonial decorations and official greetings, Volodymyr Zelensky presented Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman with the Order of Merit II degree. This event became the centerpiece of the day’s news review and sparked a wave of responses not only in Ukraine but also in Jewish communities around the world.

“The Order of Merit II degree was received by the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine of the All-Ukrainian Congress of Jewish Religious Communities, Moshe Reuven Azman,” — official statement of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Why Azman? What is the connection between the ceremony and relations between the two peoples? The answer lies in the story of a man who became a bridge between the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples.

What the Order of Merit II Degree Means

Earlier, on June 28, 2025, on Constitution Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Decree No. 424/2025 on awarding distinguished citizens for their personal contribution to the country’s development. Among those who received the highest state awards was the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Azman.

The Order of Merit is one of Ukraine’s main state awards and is divided into three levels: III, II, and I degree. The II degree is awarded for a significant contribution to the public, cultural, or economic life of the state. It is traditionally received by:

• Deputy heads of ministries and departments.
• High-ranking foreign diplomats.
• Public figures whose actions strengthen international cooperation.

Among those awarded this order are usually those who build “bridges of trust” between Ukraine and other countries. That is why awarding this honor to Rabbi Azman is perceived as a sign of special attention to the Jewish community and its role in Ukrainian society.

Personal Story: Faith, Family, and Sacrifice

Moshe Azman is not only a spiritual leader but also the father of eleven children. His family lives “in two countries,” and the rabbi’s heart is torn between Kyiv and Jerusalem.

• Azman’s daughter serves in the Israel Defense Forces and risks her life daily defending her homeland.
• His adopted son, Matityahu Samborsky, voluntarily joined the Ukrainian army in 2024 and gave his life for the freedom of his Second Homeland.

“I live in two countries and in two wars,” — says Moshe Azman.

Remembering the pain of loss, he continues to help those affected in the conflict zone: from organizing evacuations to collecting humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian Mission and the Anatevka Settlement

After the first shelling of eastern Ukraine in 2014, Azman initiated the creation of the Anatevka settlement refuge near Kyiv. Initially, it housed several dozen refugee families, and by 2025, it had grown into a full-fledged town with infrastructure:

• Schools and kindergartens serving over 200 children.
• A medical center and psychological support point that helped over 1,500 people.
• A cultural center hosting Hebrew and Ukrainian language classes, concerts, and exhibitions.

Over the years of war, more than 5,000 refugees passed through Anatevka, receiving shelter and food. This initiative shows how a religious community can become a support for the most vulnerable.

Activities during the Full-Scale Invasion

With the start of the full-scale aggression in February 2022, Rabbi Azman led humanitarian convoys that evacuated more than 40,000 people from combat zones. In cooperation with Ukrainian and international Jewish organizations, the following were organized:

1. Delivery of food and medicine to the front lines.
2. Provision of psychological assistance to military personnel and civilians.
3. Fundraising in Israeli communities for warm blankets and generators.

All these efforts became examples of unity and readiness to help one’s neighbor, regardless of nationality or religion.

About People’s Connections

NAnews — Israel News regularly covers initiatives that strengthen bonds between Jews and Ukrainians. The site’s publications help readers understand: being a member of the global community means not only preserving traditions but also acting when a call for help is heard.

Hope for a Bright Future

The Order of Merit II degree awarded to Rabbi Azman serves as a reminder: even in the darkest times, faith and compassion light the way forward. This event showed that light always triumphs over darkness, and unity and support for one’s neighbor create genuine “bridges of trust” between peoples.

“At the ceremonial event dedicated to Ukrainian Statehood Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the presence of all key state figures and esteemed guests, presented me with the Order of Merit II degree!

Thank you, Mr. President, thank you to the Ukrainian people!

Light will conquer darkness! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Almighty!”

Thus, the awarding of the order not only recognizes one person’s merits. It is a story of how one award can inspire thousands and strengthen relations between the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples.