Jews in Ukraine

After 4 years of war, Ukraine’s Jews adapt to a life of sirens, shortages and uncertainty

The Russian invasion, which marks its fourth anniversary on Tuesday, has reshaped everything in the lives of Ukrainian Jews.

People charge their devices, eat and warm themselves at a mobile resilience hub set up in a residential district amid electricity and heating interruptions on Jan. 20, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
 Ukrainian Jewish children holding packages they received JNRU for Purim.

Hamantaschen from Israel, graggers, and fuel: Purim aid drive spans Ukraine

Morale and spirit are difficult measured resources in times of war, but it is the job of Ukrainian military chaplain Lt. Rabbi Yakov Sinyakov to keep the faith among the Ukrainian soldiers fighting against the Russian invasion.

Faith in a time of war: Ukrainian Jewish chaplain aids soldiers during tribulations - interview

Dnipro, Ukraine in January 2026.

Learning Hebrew in bomb shelters: How Dnipro Jewry endures Russian invasion


Ukrainian Jews have historically spoken Russian - the war has changed that

Jews have remained predominantly Russian-speaking, even in parts of western Ukraine where Ukrainian has long been the dominant language.

 A bookshelf at Medzhybizh with texts in both Hebrew and Russian

Chabad’s annual conference celebrates 120 new Jewish community centers worldwide

The conference is a week-long event and allows most of Chabad's 5,646 rabbis the opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues.

 Thousands of Shluchim pose for a “class picture” outside Chabad World Headquarters

73% of Jews in Ukraine will have to choose between food and heat – survey

The IFCJ announced that they will be transferring $6.5 million worth of assistance to organizations working on the ground with local Jewish communities.

Among Ukrainian Jews, 97% of those surveyed expect difficulties in heating their homes due to financial and other constraints. Close to three quarters of those surveyed expect to have to choose between food purchases and heating their homes.

With winter looming in Ukraine, Jewish groups send generators and other support

Jeiwsh groups are directing their efforts toward making sure that Ukrainian Jews can remain warm and safe during winter.

 Jews from Ukraine arrive at a Jewish community center in Chisinau, Moldova, Feb. 25, 2022.

A mental health crisis increasing in Ukrainian people amidst war - opinion

Research has documented alarming rates of trauma and stress-related mental health problems among war-affected and forcibly displaced Ukrainians.

 A woman next to the body of her neighbor found under debris of a home destroyed in a Russian missile attack in Mykolaiv, Ukraine on November 1

A plea to Israel: Help Ukraine against Russia, Iranian drones - opinion

Israel and Ukraine are inherently less safe if the Russia-Iran alliance continues to deepen.

 A part of an unmanned aerial vehicle, what Ukrainian military authorities described as an Iranian made suicide drone Shahed-136 and which was shot down near the town of Kupiansk, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, is seen in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released September 13, 2022

Ukrainians serving as Israeli combat troops see family in Moldova

The IFCJ facilitates a meaningful reunion for Ukrainian IDF lone soldiers and their families in Moldova.

 IDF lone soldiers arrive in Chisanau Airport.

Senior Russian official: Chabad Lubavitch is a neo-pagan cult

Chabad is the most dominant Jewish group in Russia and Ukraine and this was therefore a shocking statement that was perceived by the rabbis and emissaries negatively.

Chabad rabbis sing ‘Ani Ma’amin’ in front of the movement’s world headquarters in Brooklyn

‘We don’t know who is alive’: Concern mounts for Jews living in Russian-occupied Ukraine

It is not known how many Jews are currently living in areas under Russian occupation, although it is believed that a large number have left since the Russian invasion.

Jews in the Ukrainian town of Donetsk.

Sukkot in Ukraine: ‘Season of our rejoicing’ during time of war

Kyiv’s Chief Rabbi Jonathan Markowitz spoke to The Jerusalem Post prior to Sukkot and shared what he said were then plans for one of the more difficult holidays he ever experienced.

 CHABAD EMISSARIES distribute gift packages and sukkot on wheels to the Jews of Ukraine.