- December 22, 2025
- 7:45 pm
- Israel
Project Leonid Nevzlin Center studies of Eastern European Jewry named after at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem explores the anthropological and Jewish aspects of aliyah from Ukraine in the context of war. The unique stories of repatriates have become valuable material for studying their integration and identity transformation.
As a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the world is faced with an unprecedented number of refugees from Ukraine fleeing the horrors of war in various countries such as Poland, Germany, France, Canada, etc. A significant part of these people arrive in Israel – these are both non-Jews and people eligible for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.
However, their move is not only a physical displacement, but also a profound transformation of Jewish identity.
I devoted my research to these questions Leonid Nevzlin Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Project called “Ukrainian Jewish repatriates in Israel: Jewish identity in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war” has become an important contribution to the understanding of these unique processes.
Amazing and unique human stories, each of which looks like an epic novel or film adaptation… All of them are now available on the website of the research center.
What do the statistics show?
According to the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, from January 2022 to June 2024, people immigrated to Israel. 17,731 people from Ukraine. These are returnees entitled to citizenship under the Law of Return, as well as their families.
| Period | Number of repatriates |
|---|---|
| January – June 2022 | ~7 000 |
| July 2022 – June 2023 | ~6 000 |
| July 2023 – June 2024 | ~4 731 |
Most of them have experienced personal tragedies, from loss of property and separation from loved ones to bombings and life under occupation. At the same time, their Jewish identity became an important resource that helped them survive these trials and adapt to their new life in Israel.
Unique research approach
Researchers from the Leonid Nevzlin Center recorded 100 interviews with Ukrainian Jewish repatriates using methods of qualitative anthropology. Particular attention, the project website writes, was paid to the following aspects:
- “we seek to reveal how their Jewishness influences their vision of the entire context of Russian-Ukrainian relations and Ukrainian politics, as well as their political leanings and overall humanitarian commitments”;
- “we ask whether the flight of these people from Ukraine had a Jewish “accent” – in other words, how Jewish connections and networks contributed to the very possibility of their move, as well as their settlement in a new place”;
- “we are also trying, as far as possible, to describe the anthropological profile of the Ukrainian part of the Jewish aliyah, related to the war, in light of their integration into Israeli society.”
What does this mean for Israel?
Jewish aliyah from Ukraine highlights the strong historical ties between the two peoples. For Israel, this is not only an opportunity to welcome new citizens, but also a chance to strengthen humanitarian relations. As noted NAnews – Israel Newsthese returnees bring new cultural and economic resources to Israeli society, despite the difficulties they face.
Research results: a look into the future
The Leonid Nevzlin Center's project shows that the war was not only a tragedy, but also a catalyst for rethinking Jewish identity. The researchers emphasize that it is important to continue to monitor the process of integration in order to create a complete picture of how war and migration change human destinies.
“This project is not only about the past, but also about the future. It shows how Jews, faced with the horrors of war, find the strength to revive and adapt to a new home.”
Conclusion
Events in Ukraine continue to concern the world, and aliyah from this country is an important part of this story. Through research like the Leonid Nevzlin Center's project, Israel has a unique opportunity to explore how tragedy and change shape Jewish identity. This knowledge can strengthen mutual understanding between peoples and create the basis for further humanitarian ties.
Text research – “Ukrainian Jewish repatriates in Israel: Jewish identity in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war”
Video teaser for the study – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPxHYUy30Lo
Website NAnews – Israel News continues to cover topics related to Jewish history and modernity, reminding us of the importance of human solidarity in difficult times.
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