Eastern Europe
Already home to a substantial number of Russian-speaking Jews before the invasion of Ukraine, the longstanding community put its resources to work in a Herculean effort to absorb those in need.
“They’re afraid of the truth,” says Michael Kretzmer, director of “J’Accuse!”
Sanctions, antisemitism and war are pushing new waves of Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian Jews to immigrate to Israel.
Despite being clearly uncomfortable with Russian conduct in its invasion of its neighbor, Israel remains hesitant to send more aid to Ukraine.
The ministers discussed the Jewish community in Russia and ex-Soviet expatriates in Israel and their importance to relations between the countries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iranian women protesting oppression and antisemitism coming back into fashion were just a few of the attention-grabbers this past year.
Legislation introduced in November by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė will provide €37 million ($11.36 million) as symbolic compensation for private property expropriated during the Holocaust, and will address heirless Jewish property.
“Immigrant absorption is at the very heart of Zionism and we will do everything possible to welcome these olim with love and open arms,” said Jewish Agency Chair Doron Almog.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, JDC staff and volunteers have provided essential supplies and care to 43,000 Jews in Ukraine.
“Top Story” with Jonathan Tobin and guest Josh Hammer, Ep. 75.
Boris Lozhkin, president of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, said that Russia’s invasion is “terroristic” but Ukraine will prevail.
