The number of deceased Jewish soldiers is increasing in Ukraine.

Preparation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine for the Holidays

Jewish communities in Ukraine are once again preparing for the High Holidays amidst the conditions of war. This year is marked by an increase in the number of fallen Jewish soldiers and attacks on Jewish institutions.

According to data presented this week, the past year has been particularly difficult for the Jews of Ukraine. The number of Jewish soldiers killed in action has increased compared to previous years. Russian missiles have hit several Jewish institutions, and the number of those drafted into the army has also risen.

Escalation of the Situation

Complicating factors include the loss of some support from the United States, the advance of Russian troops on the front, and increasing attacks on urban centers. Due to the redistribution of resources, the amount of donations from the global Jewish community to support Ukrainian communities has decreased, as many funds are directed to support Israel.

Holiday Kits for Jewish Communities

Despite all the difficulties, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and Chabad emissaries distributed 51,500 holiday kits this month. The distribution reached people in 169 cities and villages in Ukraine, including combat regions in the east, such as Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as cities in the west, located close to the Polish border.

Contents of the Kits

Each kit included a booklet with Jewish laws, honey, candles, a Jewish-Ukrainian calendar, and a children’s book, translated into Ukrainian for the first time.

Community Leader’s Comment

The community leader, Rabbi Meir Stamler, noted:

“After an especially difficult year, tens of thousands of Jewish households will celebrate the New Year and pray to God to stop our troubles.”