5 Things You Need To Know About Jews In Ukraine

… and it is not a good place to be!

Several weeks ago, flyers were distributed outside a synagogue in Donetsk saying all Jewish people had to register with the local pro-Russian government and pay special taxes. While the information was completely false, this use of the mere threat of anti-Semitism for political gain showed how the Ukrainian Jewish community is being used.

Photo: Derek Stoffel- CBC News

In the words of Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski, Chief Rabbi of Donetsk, “Our situation remains tense, but mostly unstable. Every day you hear something else. … This instability destroys the mental wellbeing of the community and as a result, the economy as a whole.”

AP Photo-Alexander Zemlianichenko

Ukrainian Jewish immigration to Israel has risen a whopping 70 percent in 2014!

Many are making the move to Israel in light of Ukraine’s instability. Ksenia, pictured above, moved to Israel from Ukraine several months ago. “Ukraine is not a good place to tell people you are Jewish. Growing up, I didn’t tell any of my friends that I’m a Jew. I knew that they think Jews are stupid and lazy. There’s a lot of anti-Semitism in Ukraine. Being Jewish carries a lot of stigma.” We are happy for Ksenia, who now dreams of becoming a teacher, and for others like her who are finally free to be openly Jewish.

Photo: JAFI

These members of the Jewish community who have served in the Israeli and Ukrainian armies are bringing their experience in martial arts, intelligence, and combat to the table. We know we would feel a lot safer with these guys protecting the neighborhood!

This mock seder, sponsored by The Fellowship, helped Jews have a joyful Passover celebration amidst uncertainty – just one of the many acts of kindness made possible by people around the world. (Photo: JAFI/Moshe Bukhman)

For that we say Todah Rabah, Thank You, to all friends of the Jewish people! YOU help the Jews in Ukraine know that they are not alone.