Antisemitism in Ukraine: EAJC Conducts Survey Among Ukrainian Jews

EAJC conducted its largest sociological survey of Ukrainian Jews in 15 years. The study surveyed 900 respondents.  Seventeen percent of those surveyed believe that antisemitism in Ukraine has recently intensified. A slightly higher proportion — 21% — observed a decline. Twenty-three percent of respondents found it difficult to provide a definitive answer, while the plurality (36%) believe that the level of antisemitism has remained unchanged.

The methodology of the study was designed by the Chairman of the Academic Council of the Institute of Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS), Professor of Ariel University Ze'ev Khanin, who presented key findings at the Kyiv Jewish Forum on May 6.  According to him, 72% of Ukrainian Jews expressed solidarity with Israel, with only 3% indicating otherwise. Twenty-six percent were undecided.

Forty-two percent of those surveyed stated it is important that their descendants identify as Jewish, whereas 25% deemed this unimportant. Twenty-nine percent of respondents identified themselves as "Ukrainian Jews," 22% as "just Jewish," 6% as "Russian Jews," and 21% simply as "human beings," regardless of their Jewish heritage.

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, noted that while combating antisemitism is "unquestionably a vital objective," the primary goal is to help Jews "maintain a strong Jewish identity capable of withstanding external environments without weakening under social pressure." "EAJC invests in programs designed to achieve this goal, including Limmud, Taglit, and Sunday schools," he added.

Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of EAJC, emphasized: "We are pleased that, in cooperation with our partners—the Jewish organizations of Ukraine—we continue to successfully implement significant programs aimed at developing Jewish education, providing social support to those in need, and strengthening cultural and political ties between Ukraine and the State of Israel."

The sociological study of Ukrainian Jews conducted by EAJC represents the largest undertaking of its kind in 15 years. The last survey of comparable scope was conducted in 2003-2004.

Research on the study remains ongoing. The complete findings will be published on the website of the Institute of Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS).