No Jewish community in Ukraine has closed, most rabbis have returned, and almost all synagogues operate on Shabbat and holidays. The situation in Ukraine contrasts with what is happening in many European countries, where Jews are treated poorly and anti-Semitism is growing.
This was stated by the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine, Union of Jewish Religious Organizations of Ukraine, Yaakov Dov Bleich, at the Kyiv Jewish Forum-2024.
"When the Russians retreated, so many people returned. All Jewish communities resumed their work. No Jewish community closed due to lack of interest, and most rabbis returned. Almost all synagogues are definitely working on Shabbat and holidays. It's hard to say how many Jews have returned and how many of them are new people coming to the synagogue. The communities are constantly attracting new people. So I can tell you that in Kyiv, in the community where I am the rabbi, there are many new people. Truly, a lot," said Yaakov Dov Bleich.
At the same time, he noted the growth of anti-Semitism in other European countries, particularly in the Netherlands, the UK, and France. According to him, the Jewish population in France has decreased by several tens of percent over the past 6-7 years.
The Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine predicts that more and more Jews from Western countries will eventually move to Israel.
"People are preparing to make aliyah (the immigration of Jews to Israel). Israel will grow," said Yaakov Dov Bleich.
He also mentioned that he is now trying to help Ukrainian immigrants settle in Israel because "they should come to a place where they will feel at home."
This year's Kyiv Jewish Forum, organized by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine and The Jerusalem Post, was dedicated to the issues of confrontation between Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as the issue of eliminating the growing threat of anti-Semitism worldwide.
