For the First Time, Kyiv Jewish Leaders Discuss Collaboration

With the participation of Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, representatives from 18 Jewish communities, institutions, and centers across Kyiv gathered at the Premier Palace Hotel to discuss close collaboration for the benefit of the city’s entire Jewish population.

With the participation of Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Mr. Michael Brodsky, and initiated by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU), the Jewish Agency, and the global Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), representatives from 18 Jewish communities, institutions, and centers across the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv gathered to discuss close collaboration for the benefit of the city’s entire Jewish population.

The event, held at the Premier Palace Hotel in central Kyiv, included rabbis, community leaders, and prominent activists. Among the attendees were representatives from the communities of Rabbis Azman, Bleich, Markovich, Chabad, and others, alongside non-religious Jewish organizations. On the rabbinic side, participants included the meeting’s organizer, Chabad emissary and Chairman of the Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stambler; FJCU Vice-Chairman Rabbi Rafael Rutman of Kyiv; Rabbi Mordechai Levenhartz, emissary and rabbi of the South Kyiv synagogue and head of Simcha Institutions; and Rabbi Shalom Gopin, emissary and rabbi of the refugee community in Kyiv.

One of the highlights of the gathering was the presentation of an analytical study on Jewish leadership in Kyiv, offering important insights to guide future initiatives. Discussions focused on unifying efforts, optimizing resources, launching joint projects, and concluded with an open dialogue about future plans and strategic partnerships.

The clear takeaway from all representatives was a strong desire and commitment across all organizations to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the tens of thousands of Jews in the city—through unity and collaboration.

Jewish Agency representative Benny Hadad, local JDC Chairman Alex Schmidt, and Nativ Moldova Chairman Mark Dovov praised the participants for their goodwill and spoke highly of the spirit of unity.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, emissary and Chairman of the Jewish Communities of Ukraine, said:
“This forum once again proved that working together makes our community stronger. By joining forces, we can ensure the dynamic development of Jewish life in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine. As part of its ongoing commitment to community development, FJCU will provide Jewish communities with newly printed books in Ukrainian, along with other educational and cultural literature to support Jewish identity and learning.

“Our strength lies in our unity. There are powerful organizations and wonderful initiatives represented here, and if we learn to unite, it will multiply our impact for the Jews of Kyiv and send a message of love and brotherhood to all Jews across the country. Through unity, we will together welcome the complete and true Redemption through our righteous Moshiach,” concluded Rabbi Stambler.