Jews in Ukraine

After 4 years of war, Ukraine’s Jews adapt to a life of sirens, shortages and uncertainty

The Russian invasion, which marks its fourth anniversary on Tuesday, has reshaped everything in the lives of Ukrainian Jews.

|ByTHEIA CHATELLE/JTA
People charge their devices, eat and warm themselves at a mobile resilience hub set up in a residential district amid electricity and heating interruptions on Jan. 20, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ukrainian Jewish children holding packages they received JNRU for Purim.

Hamantaschen from Israel, graggers, and fuel: Purim aid drive spans Ukraine

JRNU and local emissaries said preparations had been completed for distributing 24,000 Purim packages across 25 major cities and regions, alongside deliveries to smaller and more remote towns.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Morale and spirit are difficult measured resources in times of war, but it is the job of Ukrainian military chaplain Lt. Rabbi Yakov Sinyakov to keep the faith among the Ukrainian soldiers fighting against the Russian invasion.

Faith in a time of war: Ukrainian Jewish chaplain aids soldiers during tribulations - interview

While Sinyakov offers spiritual guidance as the first Jewish chaplain attached to a Ukrainian military unit, he explained that eighty percent of his work was psychological aid.

|ByMICHAEL STARR
Dnipro, Ukraine in January 2026.

Learning Hebrew in bomb shelters: How Dnipro Jewry endures Russian invasion

The war opened new opportunities for Dnipro's Jews to reconnect to Judaism, finding purpose and hope amid the missile barrages.

|ByMICHAEL STARR

Sumy's Jewish community celebrates Passover amid deadly missile strikes

The Jewish community of Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine, was forced to observe Passover under the sound of sirens and the threat of deadly missile attacks.

APRIL 17, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A nighttime curfew prevented some residents from attending in person, prompting volunteers to deliver special Passover kits—complete with shmura matzah, wine, and other kosher-for-Passover staples—so families could observe the holiday at home.

America's betrayal should not mean Ukrainian defeat - opinion

Yes, Ukraine’s situation is different. However, Israel overcame its betrayals with a population hardly the size of Kyiv's and a land hardly 3% of Ukraine's size, and with no mineral riches at all.

MARCH 7, 2025ByAMOTZ ASA-EL
US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, US, February 28, 2025.

‘Miracle in Odesa’: Ukrainian Jewish teen soccer team relocates hours before Russian missile strike

The missile attack last weekend destroyed the Bristol Hotel and the Jewish University of Odesa building.

FEBRUARY 10, 2025ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD, REUTERS
Debris is scattered across the stairs of Hotel Bristol following the aftermath of a Russian strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, January 31, 2025

Ukraine Jewish resilience: Standing strong amid war and global challenges

‘For 2025 to become a year of victory for Ukraine and Israel, democracies must unite,’ says Borys Lozhkin, President of the JCU.

DECEMBER 19, 2024ByOLEKSANDR YEVSIUKOV
THE DROBYTSKYI Yar Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, was destroyed by Russian shelling in March 2022. On the right: The restoration plan.

Navigating dual legacies: The impact of war on Ukrainian Israelis

“Support for Israel in Ukraine is high. There hasn’t been one pro-Palestinian demonstration in Ukraine since October 7"

DECEMBER 17, 2024ByGIL LEWINSKY
Tel Aviv municipality illuminates its city hall with the Ukrainian flag to mark the 1000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Amid daily bombings, Ukrainian Jews prepare for a third Hanukkah in the shadow of war

Despite the immense challenges, Ukrainian Jews remain steadfast in their commitment to celebrating the Festival of Lights, bringing hope and resilience to their communities during these trying times.

DECEMBER 9, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Chabad’s Jewish Relief Network Ukraine menorahs for Jewish Ukrainians December 9, 2024.

JCU 2024: A global call for unity

Global leaders at the Kyiv Jewish Forum 2024 stress unity, tackle rising antisemitism, and discuss support for Ukraine’s Jewish community amid ongoing war and shared global security challenges.

NOVEMBER 19, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein in a conversation with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee.

Ukrainian Jews congratulate Trump, 'confident' he will facilitate peace in Ukraine, Israel

Rabbi Mayer Stambler said Ukrainian Jews believed in Trump's commitment to Biblical values.

NOVEMBER 7, 2024ByMATHILDA HELLER
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hand of Chief Rabbi of Kyiv Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch at gathering 2 weeks prior to the Jewish New Year

No. 32: Uri Poliavich: Supporting Jewish education worldwide

Uri and Yael Poliavich started the Yael Foundation, a philanthropic initiative which has promoted Jewish education for 13,500 students across 35 countries.

OCTOBER 1, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Uri Poliavich.

Under fire and hungry: Ukrainian Jews face Rosh Hashana amid war and crisis

The aid operation, orchestrated by Chabad Ukraine and IFCJ, is a lifeline for thousands of families struggling in an economy ravaged by war.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Aid being delivered to Ukraine, September 27, 2024.