Messages of gratitude and appreciation have been received from local leaders reporting on the events of the past couple of weeks: “The extensive support system allowed communities to enter Passover fully prepared, even under fire,” said Rabbi Simcha Levenhartz of Kyiv, who leads the JRNU’s local distribution efforts.
In Zhytomyr, Chief Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm held a Seder for 180 people, including special Seders for children, just hours after the city endured a significant drone attack: “The children experienced something meaningful and uplifting,” Rabbi Wilhelm reported.
In Odessa, Chief Rabbi Avraham Wolff, welcomed 1,000 participants to his communal Seders, which were interrupted by sirens. The Mishpacha Ukraine orphanage had to relocate their celebration to the shelter in the middle of the Seder. But inside the protected space, the staff and kids continued reciting the Haggadah and singing Passover songs until late into the night.
In Sumy, missile and artillery strikes were reported close to the local synagogue during the holiday: “By the grace of Heaven, no one was harmed,” said Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo Levitansky, noting that attendance at the second Seder filled the hall to capacity.
In Poltava, an air attack hit near the synagogue just before the holiday began, nevertheless, community members turned out in large numbers for the Seder led by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Segal.
In Chernivtsi, where the community has helped resettle many displaced families, 300 participants joined the Seder hosted by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glitzenstein. Due to the midnight curfew in the city, on the second night, participants remained at the venue until 4 a.m. when they were able to return to their homes.
For the fifth time in four years, despite the ongoing crisis, Ukrainian Jews participated in Passover events in record numbers. One older member of the Chernivtsi community exemplified the impact of our work. A physician who has not been involved with the Jewish community for many years, became visibly emotional during the recitation of “Mah Nishtanah.” He explained that the moment made him realize what he had been missing for many years.
We remain committed to ensuring that no Jew is forgotten and no Jew is left behind. Together we save lives and restore hope.
