Ukrainian Jews to Samaria? Kyiv Rabbi and Shomron Council Head’s Plan Could Change Absorption in Israel

Kyiv’s Chief Rabbi Yonatan Markovich and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan are discussing the creation of communities for Ukrainian Jewish refugees (פליטי מלחמה) in Samaria settlements. This initiative could become a new chapter in the history of absorption and Jewish unity in times of war.

On June 9, 2025, the Israeli outlet
Israel Hayom published an important report:
Chief Rabbi of Kyiv Yonatan Markovich visited Israel and conducted an extensive tour of
Samaria (Shomron), invited by regional council head Yossi Dagan.

The visit held both practical and symbolic significance. Its main purpose was to discuss the establishment of “garinim” communities for Ukrainian Jewish refugees in several settlements across the region.

The term “garinim” (Hebrew: גרעינים) is the plural of “garin” (Hebrew: גרעין), which literally means “seed” or “grain.” In the Israeli context, it commonly refers to: “Garin Torani” — an ideological nucleus, often of religious activists, who move to a specific place to strengthen, develop, and establish a Jewish presence. In this case, “garinim” refers to organized Ukrainian Jewish communities that would relocate to Samaria settlements and live there as a united Jewish nucleus.

This is an informal yet widely used term in Israel in the context of absorption and Zionist programs.

A meeting turned into an action plan

Upon arrival, a working meeting was held between the rabbi and the council representatives. Markovich gave a detailed update on the situation of Kyiv’s Jewish community amidst ongoing war with Russia.

Yossi Dagan showed deep interest in the fate of Jews in Kyiv and expressed readiness to offer support and resources if needed. Inspired by Rabbi Markovich’s recent meeting with Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer, he proposed:

• to establish a joint team between the Shomron Council and Kyiv’s rabbinate,
• to organize relocation of Ukrainian Jewish refugees to the settlements,
• to utilize the region’s vast experience in absorbing aliyah.

Yossi Dagan: “This is a moment when Zionism meets history. We are obliged to help our brothers from Ukraine. It is one of the most important missions of our generation.”

Mutual responsibility across continents

Rabbi Markovich thanked Dagan for the initiative and stated:

Yonatan Markovich: “It’s moving to witness mutual responsibility that crosses continents. Jews from all over the world strive to support their brothers in Ukraine.”

Symbolic points of the visit

During the visit, the delegation toured:

• The terrace in Peduel, named after U.S. President Donald Trump, offering views from Ashkelon to Hadera;
• Mitzpe Yosef, overlooking the city of Shechem (Nablus);
• Bruchin settlement, where a condolence visit was held for the Gaz family, mourning the murder of a mother and her infant son in a recent terrorist attack.

A memory to carry forward

In Bruchin, the rabbi extended condolences to the Gaz family on behalf of the Jewish community in Kyiv. He shared that the Kyiv JCC dedicates daily food distributions in memory of Tzala and baby Ravid Chaim.

“I came to give strength, and left strengthened by their deep faith,” the rabbi said at the end of the visit.

Personal presence and continuity

At Mitzpe Yosef, Rabbi Markovich addressed soldiers from the ultra-Orthodox “Hashmonaim” battalion, sharing memories of his own long military service. His words offered encouragement and symbolized intergenerational Jewish continuity.

This visit was not just an act of support. It marked the beginning of a new phase of practical cooperation between the Ukrainian Jewish community and Israeli institutions — especially in Samaria’s settlements.

As highlighted by NAnews — Israel News, such initiatives turn isolated acts of aid into strategic alliances between communities with a shared past and a united future.

What’s next?

Establishing a joint task force, selecting pilot settlements, and developing the relocation model could happen within months. For now, Rabbi Markovich’s visit remains a powerful sign of active and deep dialogue between Israel and Ukraine, and among Jews worldwide.