- April 18, 2025
- 2:22 pm
- Ukraine
This year, Passover became not only a holiday of liberation but also a symbol of support for those who defend their country. The Jewish communities of Ukraine expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian defenders during the Passover holiday (April 12–20, 2025), providing them with vital resources.
These gestures have become another vivid testament to the close ties between Israel and Ukraine, as well as confirmation of the Jewish people’s support for Ukraine in difficult times.
Donations for Ukrainian Soldiers
On April 10, 2025, The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman delivered resuscitation vehicles for one of the Ukrainian special units performing combat missions in the Zaporizhzhia direction. This fully equipped vehicle is fitted with everything necessary to save lives on the battlefield, which is crucial in the conditions of modern warfare.
“We have provided the soldiers with matzah — a symbol of freedom and spiritual strength, which is especially important in these difficult times,” noted the Rabbi of Ukraine in his post. Diesel generators, which are urgently needed on all fronts, were also delivered.
These donations, along with prayers for peace and support, became an important element of Passover celebrations. Passover is not only a time for spiritual purification and prayer but also for action in the real world. Matzah, a symbol of freedom, was delivered by the Jewish communities of Ukraine to Ukrainian defenders as a sign of spiritual support.
The Role of Jewish Chaplains and Volunteers
Among those actively supporting Ukraine’s defenders are Yakov Sinyakov, a chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU), and the volunteer organization Ukrainian Aid Ops. During their visit to eastern Ukraine, they held prayers for victory and peace and provided soldiers with matzah and pocket psalms — symbols of support and faith.
These gestures emphasized the importance of spiritual aid in such difficult times. Spiritual support during wartime has enormous significance for the morale of soldiers. Chaplains and volunteers bring not only physical aid to the front lines but also spiritual support.
Visits and Greetings on Passover
During the Passover holiday, various representatives of local authorities visited different regions of Ukraine to greet the Jewish communities on this important holiday. For example, Anton Chubenko, Deputy Head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, visited the synagogue in Hadyach and congratulated the local Jewish community.
He noted that Hadyach is an important place for Hasidism in Ukraine, as it is home to the grave of Alter Rebbe, the founder of the Hasidic movement Chabad. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen ties between religious communities and the authorities.
Support During Wartime
The support provided to Ukrainian soldiers by the Jewish communities of Ukraine includes not only material resources but also moral support. In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, such help is extremely important to maintain the fighting spirit and faith in victory.
The importance of these gestures is confirmed in practice: despite daily shelling and threats, Jewish communities continue their work, bringing light and hope to the darkest corners of Ukraine. The support provided to soldiers during Passover highlights the unity between Ukraine and the Jewish people.
Humanitarian Aid and Resources
In addition to religious support, medical institutions and other organizations also provide assistance. For example, in Dnipro, doctors from the Jewish Medical Center (JMC) received medals for their work in wartime conditions. Their efforts at the front have made a significant contribution to improving the health of local residents and soldiers.
Conclusion
These donations and humanitarian support during Passover have become a vivid testament to how the Jewish communities of Ukraine support their fellow citizens in the most difficult moments. In such times, it is important to remember the value of freedom and solidarity, which this holy holiday emphasizes. The spiritual support and material donations made by Jewish communities not only help at the front but also serve as a reminder of the unity of the people who experience not only spiritual liberation but also the struggle for their freedom.
