Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, has a large Jewish population that dates back to the 10th century. Though there were many periods during which Jews were not allowed to live in Kyiv, their ties to the city remained strong and they always returned, withstanding persecution from the Polish-Lithuanian, Russian, and Nazi regimes. In the 19th century, the Jewish community in Kyiv flourished and became one of the largest in Ukraine. In 1815, the Jewish population was 1,500, and it reached over 80,000 nearly one hundred years later. During that time, many synagogues and Jewish schools were built all around the city.
Despite many tragic events in the city during which Jews were persecuted and murdered, the Jewish community in Kyiv continued to grow, reaching 225,000 in 1939.
At the beginning of World War II, most Jews escaped Kyiv, but the remaining 33,771 Jews were executed at Babyn Yar, on September 29-30th 1941, in an act that became one of the most notorious episodes of the Holocaust. Another 15,000 Jews were murdered in the same place during 1941–1942.
After the war, a small number of Jews returned to the city. In 1946, there was only one operating synagogue in Kyiv. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, most of the Jewish population emigrated from Kyiv. But, at the same time, a concerted effort was made to rebuild the Jewish community including construction of cultural and community organizations and schools.
Today Kyiv is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Ukraine with synagogues, schools, community centers and more. During the recent Hanukkah holiday there were public displays around the city, and last year a Garden of Hope was constructed to honor the families of victims of October 7.
The community has increased over the past 3 years, as displaced people from other parts of the country have moved to the city and local residents are increasingly seeking spiritual and emotional support.
We work closely with the local Jewish leaders to provide ongoing support to the many people who are suffering during the current crisis.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
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