The 3rd Kyiv Jewish Forum was held online

On December 15-16, the third Kyiv Jewish Forum (KJF) convened, organized by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine (JCU) in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the Center for Jewish Impact. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress traditionally serves as a partner of the forum.

This year, the KJF was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Ukraine. The forum's opening day featured addresses by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine; Isaac Herzog, President of Israel; Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress; Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress; Boris Lozhkin, President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, as well as ambassadors, ministers, political and public figures, philanthropists, and other distinguished guests.

Participants of the second day of the forum included Ze'ev Elkin, Israeli Minister of Construction; Nachman Shai, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs; Pnina Tamano-Shata, Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration; Yoel Razvozov, Israeli Minister of Tourism, alongside other political and public figures.

Address of the EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili to the organizers and participants of the Kyiv Jewish Forum:

“Dear friends and colleagues,

I am pleased to welcome the organizers and participants of the third Kyiv Jewish Forum. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to our esteemed partner and friend, Boris Lozhkin, First Vice-President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, for initiating this significant event.

Over the past several years, the Kyiv Jewish Forum has established itself as an essential event for the global Jewish community, and we are honored to participate in it.

This year, the forum celebrates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between independent Ukraine and the State of Israel. Three decades ago, a new chapter unfolded for our nations. Nevertheless, the bonds between our peoples span centuries. The history of the Jewish people on Ukrainian soil is long, and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is deeply committed to preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Ukrainian Jewry. Furthermore, we focus heavily on fostering community life and supporting social and educational initiatives across Ukraine. We hold a strong hope for the continued strengthening of relations between our nations and peoples.

In recent years, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress has partnered on several vital initiatives initiated by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, led by Boris Lozhkin.

Recently, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy, we published the book “Righteous Among the Nations. Ukraine,” dedicated to the citizens of Ukraine who saved Jews during the Holocaust.

Within the framework of the “Jewish Library” project, prominent books detailing the history of the Jewish state and biographies of its leaders are being published in Ukrainian.

Another pivotal joint endeavor is the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Ukrainian Jewry at Tel Aviv University, aimed at research into the history and culture of Jews in Ukraine from the Middle Ages to the present day.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine for the benefit of one of the largest Jewish communities in the post-Soviet space, and we express our gratitude to Boris Lozhkin for his invaluable contribution to the present and future of Ukrainian Jewry.

I wish all forum participants a productive and successful event. We are engaged in a noble course, and with G-d's help, we shall succeed.”