Passover in Ukraine this year was as special as it has ever been. It was the third time in as many years that the holiday was observed in the midst of an ongoing crisis affecting every man, woman, and child in the country. The challenges of daily life did not stand in the way of joyous and meaningful celebrations of freedom, in homes and communal settings all across the country. Seders were conducted in community centers and synagogues in all major cities, hosting nearly 15,000 individuals, with even more people celebrating privately with family and friends.
On the eve of Passover, during Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to the Simchah (“Happiness”) School, he told students and administrators:
"It is symbolic that we are in a Jewish school and sheltering in a bomb shelter on the eve of Passover. This sends a very important signal to the whole world that every nation and community fights for their freedom and values, which are more important than conditions.”
While the continued conflict has left many people feeling hopeless and filled with despair, significant efforts are underway to restore and rebuild, better than before. One noteworthy step forward in the Jewish communities involves transitioning from Russian to Ukrainian language publications, including holiday materials. Even the Torah is being translated into Ukrainian for the first time!
We help people all across Ukraine in their efforts to survive each day as well as work towards a better future. The celebration of Passover, and other major holidays, provides an important opportunity to reflect and renew our commitment to ensuring no one is forgotten and no one is left behind.
We are grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support from people across the globe. Thanks to you we are able to save lives and restore hope.
