Twenty-five young adults from Ukraine recently completed a journey to Israel, exploring the country, deepening their knowledge of Jewish heritage, and building lasting connections with one another.
The 11-day trip included visits to historic and religious sites, as well as popular cultural and tourist attractions. Among the highlights were the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, Masada, and northern Israel.
In addition to extensive site-seeing, the visitors were treated to lectures; classes; prayers; Shabbat programming; social events; and meetings with rabbis, public figures, and representatives of different segments of Israeli society.
“A journey like this allows young Jews not only to learn about their heritage, but to experience it in the places where Jewish history and life come alive,” said Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski. “Connecting young people with their heritage, their people, and the Land of Israel helps shape a strong Jewish identity and a sense of pride that can accompany them throughout their lives.”
Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski is the Director of STARS Ukraine, a youth group that has continued to operate despite the ongoing crisis in the country. The year-round program provides Jewish students and young professionals with weekly classes, holiday programs, seminars, Shabbatons, community gatherings, and educational journeys. The annual trip to Israel, made possible through a partnership with Birthright Israel (Taglit), has become one of the program’s most popular activities, and plans are already underway for another group to visit Israel in the near future. It is an honor and privilege to support this vital program in Jewish communities throughout Ukraine. Together we save lives and restore hope.
