More than 100 Jewish-Ukrainian refugees gathered on Friday for a special Passover celebration organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel.
The pledge included a prayer for the return of the 133 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Photos of the hostages were posted around the room.
“This year we are celebrating Passover differently and praying for the return of the hostages who remain in captivity,” said Yael Branowski, director of the Jewish Agency office in Poland.
The celebrations are said to take on special significance, more than two years after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine and more than six months since the hostages were kidnapped.
“This year’s Passover, the holiday of freedom, is different and special. We all think of the prisoners of war in Gaza and hope for their return. But Israel It is a strong country in spirit and action, and it knows how to defend itself.”Israel itself is the center of Jewish life and existence in the world, and a place for all Jews who want to make it their home. The strong and connected diaspora is also very important and I would like to thank the Jewish people. More than 100 Ukrainian Jewish refugees celebrate Passover in Poland (Credit: Jewish Agency for Israel)
Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich also attended the Seder and said, “Our strength lies in our unity. Everyone here celebrates Passover and prays for the freedom of the Jewish people.” I’m glad to see it,” he added.
Effects of two wars
“We have family and friends in Israel and Ukraine. In Ukraine, we have friends and family who live in bombed cities. And we have cousins who recently returned from reserve duty in Gaza. “I am concerned that this reality is very harsh and we hope that both wars end soon,” he said days after the start of the war. said Eugenia and Boris Vogel, an elderly couple who fled Ukraine. “We are from Zaporizhzhia. Just a few days ago, our house was bombed again. We are very worried. We are constantly on the phone with our relatives and friends in Israel and Ukraine. There is no reality.”
The couple told the Jewish Agency that they are considering making aliyah (immigrating to Israel) and are grateful to the Jewish Agency for helping them maintain their Jewish traditions.
“Jewish tradition has always been present in our lives. Tonight, as we read the Haggadah together, sang it, and discussed it with members of our community in similar situations, it touched our hearts. For a few hours it felt like normal life and we celebrated Passover as usual,” the Vogel family added.
“Diaspora Jewish life and its connection to Israel are always important, but especially now. It’s heartening to see the connection with Israel’s Jewish Agency,” Vranowski added.
