2024-05-04 12:55:09
During Passover, Jewish soldiers fighting in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces came to celebrate it together with the chief rabbi of Kyiv, Jonathan Markovich.
The Jews of Ukraine celebrated the third Passover during the war with a special congratulatory letter sent by Prime Minister Denis Shmigel to the Jews of the country through the Kyiv Rabbi Yonatan Markovich. Prime Minister Szmigal expressed hope for true freedom and peace for all residents of Ukraine, in the spirit of the good news that the holiday of freedom – Passover – brings.
Over the two nights of the holiday, more than six hundred Kyiv Jews took part in a number of public processions, held in varying concentrations to allow as many Jews as possible to take part in the processions, in accordance with security restrictions that allow a limited number of gatherings. They end before the introduction of a night curfew on the streets of the capital of Ukraine.
Even before the holiday, activists of the Chabad community of the JCC “Beit Menachem” distributed matzah, wine, meat and many food packages to Jews throughout Kyiv. During the operation, led by Rabbi Yonatan Markovich, who is the rabbi of prisons in Ukraine, special measures were also taken for Jewish prisoners in prisons in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine.
A particularly moving event occurred during Holy Week, when a group of Jewish soldiers wounded in the war in Ukraine came to thank Rabbi Markovich for his support throughout the year. The exciting meeting included the consecration of Gomel and a festive meal, during which the soldiers talked with the rabbi about the essence of the holiday and the desire for peace and tranquility for the Jews of Ukraine and the Land of Israel.
“Kyiv hosted a celebration. Jews of all stripes were able to celebrate Passover properly this year. The night of the main seder was attended by foreign embassies and members of the community, along with other seders held for soldiers, and even special seders in prisons. This was said very intentionally and with hope for calm and safe days,” emphasized Rabbi Yonatan Markovich.