Across Ukraine, Jewish communities from Chernivtsi to Kharkiv and from Odessa to Zhytomyr marked Lag BaOmer with parades, singing, and community events in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, organized by shluchim in cities and towns throughout the country.

This past Lag BaOmer, tens of thousands of Jews across Ukraine marked the day with a sense of cautious optimism, as ongoing peace talks lifted spirits and brought renewed hope.

Parades and bonfires were held throughout the country in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai,, organized by local rabbanim and the Rebbe’s shluchim. Many of the events took place in open areas and, in some cities, required special approval due to the wartime situation.

Preparations began right after Pesach. The JRNU Chabad network sent large shipments of supplies to shluchim across Ukraine, including branded water bottles, snacks, balloons, banners, and a variety of content for the parades.

In Chernivtsi, the community held two parades. One took place at the well-known shul of Rabbi Yisroel of Ruzhin, with hundreds of participants. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glitzenshtein, the city’s shliach, shared, “On Friday, members of the community joined a special parade in Mezhibuzh, where the Baal Shem Tov is buried.”

Zhytomyr hosted a large children’s parade that drew families from all over western Ukraine. Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, shliach and chief rabbi of the region, said, “Entire families came together. Leading the parade were the students of the Or Avner Chabad school, and the entire community felt united.”

In Kharkiv, where shelling has continued in recent weeks, the celebration took place on the grounds of the former Tomchei Temimim yeshiva. Rabbi Moshe Moskowitz, the city’s shliach, led the event, which was held with special permission from city officials. It ended with heartfelt tefillos for peace in Ukraine and for the safety of Jews in Eretz Yisroel.

In Odessa, where air raids and attacks are part of daily life, the Lag BaOmer parade took on even greater meaning. Hundreds of children participated, including 123 from the Mishpacha orphanages operated by Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine. The children marched through the streets with singing and dancing, and took part in activities that focused on Rashbi and his message of unity.

The most moving part of the event came when Daniel, a 10-year-old student at Or Avner, got up to the stage. Just a month earlier, a drone had struck the floor above his apartment. Holding a lit torch, he kindled the “Flame of Hope.” In a short but powerful speech, he said, “They tried to extinguish us — but we’ll burn brighter. I’m alive, I’m Jewish, and I’m not afraid.”

The moment touched everyone present. Children, staff, volunteers, local residents, and soldiers stood to applaud. Many were visibly emotional. The program continued with performances, skits, singing, candy, Tehillim booklets, and balloons carrying tefillos for peace — all in a warm and uplifting atmosphere.

In Vinnytsia, children marched alongside donkeys brought in specially for the event, adding a playful and family-friendly feel. Celebrations took place across the country, but one city had to sit it out. In Zaporizhzhia, the local community wasn’t able to hold a parade this year. Rabbi Nachum Ehrentrau, the city’s shliach, explained, “Unfortunately, due to ongoing missile attacks, it just wasn’t possible.”