Leap of Faith: Judaism and Ukraine
One year on, the war reminds us that we are more Ukrainian than we know
The word ‘Ukraine’ is probably derived from the old Slavic meaning ‘borderland’, and while its size cannot be compared to the diminutive territory of Israel, there are many resonances between the two countries. The deep spiritual attachment to their own land – from the flag depicting sunflowers and sky to the testimony of Ukrainian people fighting to live peacefully in historically disputed territory, the echoes keep on coming.
Ukraine finds itself sandwiched between the global powers of the west and the east, an uncomfortable place to be. Israel has also historically found itself uncomfortably close to the political designs of powerful neighbours – from the empires of the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Persians (again), the Arabs to Islamic power, Crusaders and Christian supremacy, the Mamelukes and the Ottomans.
Just as in any nation-state situated in spaces that other countries claim as part of their borders, the diversity of the population, the language, the ethnicity, and the narratives means that internal as well as external boundaries can be fraught, yet at the same time a strong identity and loving attachment to the place is created, and no amount of displacement or oppression can disrupt these deep roots of belonging.
I am struck by how powerful is the testimony of those who call Ukraine home, who initially fled the war yet often returned to the homeland they love and yearn for. I am reminded of the psalmist sitting by the rivers of Babylon, who recorded the people’s weeping and longing, the remembering of Zion and Jerusalem from their captivity and exile. The strength of relationship that the people of Ukraine have with their land impels them to fight for it even when it seems that the odds are too heavily against them; this too echoes in the Jewish soul.
Judaism has thrived in Ukraine for over a thousand years. Byzantine Jews of Constantinople had familial, cultural, and theological ties with the Jews of Kyiv a millennium ago and one of the city gates was named the Jewish gate. Chasidism was born there, as were many of the founders of cultural Zionism – from Jabotinsky to Achad Ha’Am, Bialik and Shai Agnon. While also the home of pogroms and of Cossacks, a place of historic persecution of Jews, of our expulsion and emigration – so many of us can trace our family roots back to this place – it is notable that Volodymyr Zelensky is Jewish and a proud supporter of both Ukraine and Israel.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
