On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy, with the support of the EAJC, the book “Righteous Among the Nations. Ukraine”about the Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Holocaust was published. As part of the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy, the book was presented to the President of the State of Israel, Yitzhak Herzog.
The book “Righteous among the Nations of the World. Ukraine ”contains about 2700 names of Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Holocaust. This is a complete list of Ukrainians officially recognized today by the Israeli Holocaust Memorial Complex Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations. This title on behalf of the State of Israel has been awarded by a special commission since 1963 to non-Jews who helped Jews during the Holocaust. Today, about 27,000 people have already been recognized as Righteous in the world. Ukraine ranks 4th in terms of the number of the Righteous.
All the names of the Righteous Ukrainians in the book are grouped by region, the book contains stories of the salvation and photos of the Righteous themselves.
The book was initiated by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine and published by the publishing house “Our Format” with the support of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Complex, the Babi Yar Holocaust Memorial Center and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. PDF-version of the book is available.
“There are about 2,700 names of the Righteous Ukrainians in the book, who have been officially recognized as such to date by Yad Vashem. In addition to the complete list of the Righteous for each region of Ukraine, we have also given individual stories of the salvation of Jews and published photos of the Righteous themselves,” – said the first vice-president of the EAJC, President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, Boris Lozhkin.
“During the terrible years of World War II, there were people who could not remain indifferent to the tragedy of the Jewish people. And, thankfully, there were a lot of them. More than two and a half thousand righteous people are officially recognized in Ukraine. We must remember this and pay tribute to each of them. Therefore, it was especially important for us and our colleagues from the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine to publish this book, which we have the honor to present today,” – said EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili.
President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Michael Mirilashvili took part in the 10th annual Jerusalem Post The Future is Now conference. This year’s conference speakers were also Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benet, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder and many other honored guests.
The conference traditionally celebrates the Israel’s innovation and successes and this year mainly focused on how Israel went from ‘Start-up Nation’ to Vaccination Nation’, becoming a light and a mentor to the world’s fight over pandemics.
During the Conference speakers and panelists discussed the healthcare, economic and security challenges plaguing Israel, and the growing gap between Israelis and Diaspora Jews.
You can find the full recording of the conference as well as the speech of the EAJC President Dr. Mirilashvili with a full transcript below.
“Dear colleagues and friends!
For those gathered today and for today’s Jewish generation of the former USSR it is hard to imagine the situation in which Jews of the region found themselves relatively recently. Being a minority, cut off of significant contacts with world Jewry, international Jewish organizations, and the State of Israel.
Given that the Jews who found themselves behind the “Iron Curtain” were always remembered, they were prayed for, a symbolic empty seat was left for them at the Passover table, while the struggle for the rights and freedom of Soviet Jews became perhaps the most inspiring and unifying factor for the Jewish world at the time.
Zionist ideologists, way before the founding of the State of Israel dreamed of the central role of the new Jewish state in the Jewish world. Even back then it was obvious that not every Jew in the world would decide to live in a Jewish state and therefore the question of building relations between the diaspora on the one hand and the state of the entire Jewish people, on the other would certainly arise.
One of the models of these relations is to build a politically and economically strong state, advanced in the fields of science and culture that would serve as an inspiration for the entire Jewish world. The Jewish State was predestined to become not only the “light for all nations”, but for the Jews outside of Israel as well. And if 70 years ago the young state had to fight for its existence, solving lots of internal problems, today it’s not the case, and Israel must revise its role in the relations with the diaspora.
Today Israel is already perceived as a country that brings “light to the nations” in various fields: in social field, technologies and innovations, thinking ‘outside the box’ it terms of solving the most complex modern issues. As a businessman working in many countries, I see it with my own eyes every day. The Israelis are often seen today as some miracle workers, capable of solving almost everything.
Meaning not only transformation of air into water, which one of my business companies is successfully doing, but also the transformation of yesterday’s enemies into our friends and partners. Peace treaties signed recently opened new horizons, for cultural, academic and business cooperation, tourism as well, and as for UAE and Bahrain, the Jewish life started flourishing there with renewed vigor.
Given this, the following is quite obvious for us: the stronger the diaspora — the stronger the Israel. Last week we were in Kiev, where the tragedy of Babi Yar was commemorated. A huge tragedy of Jewish people and the entire world was once more remembered. I do mean it when I say it was a tragedy for the whole world. It’s because we shall not look at the Jewish people and Jewish State separately from the rest of the world. The fate of Israel is strongly connected to the fate of the entire world. If Israel suffers — unfortunately the world suffers as well. If Israel prospers — the world only benefits from this.
Today the impact of Israel in the world is undeniably tremendous. But the Jewish diaspora gained its power as well and today it’s stronger than ever. We have to use this strength and impact wisely not only for the sake of our people, but for the sake of the entire humanity. And that’s exactly what we try to do today.
But there is a danger, that our tradition warns us of. When we succeed and things go well we tend to forget where our success comes from. We often become too proud of ourselves, we forget who we have to be really grateful for this. And finally how to use it properly. We should and even must unite and use our power for the sake of the humanity, to solve truly global problems.
And I would like to share with you one recent example. Recently we were addressed at the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress by several European leaders, who asked us to help them get refugees out of Afghanistan. At first I was surprised and thought how are we supposed to help them? Why do such powerful states turn to us and search for help? But they were right. Several Jewish leaders from different countries united to solve this issue, and helped the group of refugees to leave the country and eventually find the asylum. I was not among those who helped, but I know them personally and I’m very proud of this. It shows us once more how being united and joining forces can help us do real wonders for the sake of Jewish people and the rest of the world.
And that’s why we are here, that is our calling and our mission. So I call for you one more time: let’s unite for the sake of the humanity.
Finally, I would also like to express my gratitude to the leadership and the team of the Jerusalem Post for organizing this event at the highest level. Thank you!”
On October 5-6 the delegation of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress including the EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, the EAJC board chairman Aaron G. Frenkel, and the EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov participated in a series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre. As part of the Jewish community of Moldova delegation, the EAJC vice-presidents Alexander Bilinkis and Emmanuel Grinshpun also took part in the events.
With the support of EAJC and the The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine a film festival «Holocaust. We remember» was held. The festival was opened with a film of Switzerland and Germany joint production titled «When Hitler stole pink rabbit». The film tells a story of a nine-year-old girl Anna, who had to leave Berlin with her family because of Nazi persecution in 1933, leaving her favourite toy, a stuffed rabbit. 5 films produced by the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Switzerland, Germany, France, Canada, the Czech Republic, Belarus and Russia were presented during the festival, among them an animated film «263 nights», produced with the support of the EAJC, was shown.
“The Holocaust is a very difficult topic to deal with. Each of these films reveals emotional, cultural, artistic aspects of the Shoa. In presenting new stories, facts and perspectives we bring novelty to the topic, continue it, keep it alive. Today it is essential to present information in different formats. The visual art can help to represent the most difficult historical events”, said the EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov.
“In the terrible years of the Second World War, there were people who could not remain indifferent to the tragedy of the Jewish people. More than 2,500 the Righteous Among the Nations are officially recognized in Ukraine. We have to pay tribute and respect to each and every one of them. Therefore it was essential for us and our colleagues from the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine to publish the book «The Righteous Among the Nations. Ukraine», which we have the honour to present today”, said Dr.Mikhail Mirilashvili, the President of EAJC.
The memorial to the victims of the massacre in Babi Yar was inaugurated on October 6. The ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Ukraine, Israel, Germany and Albania as well as other dignitaries.
Ukraine was the first country to be visited by Israeli President-elect Yitzhak Herzog in June 2021 to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the diplomatic relations’ establishment between the State of Israel and the countries of the FSU. During the visit, Yitzhak Herzog had a meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. With the support of EAJC, a special reception and an opening ceremony of the Jewish National Fund representation in Ukraine were held.
“Strengthening the relations between the State of Israel and the Diaspora countries is one of the focus of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. We hope that the visit of the President of Israel to Ukraine will be a good start of our cooperation for the benefit of the State of Israel and the Jewry of the Diaspora”, said the President of EAJC Dr.Mikhail Mirilashvili.
Today, a group of 40 Afghan residents have been successfully granted asylum in Canada. The issue was settled in common effort of government officials from several countries and the international humanitarian agency IsraAID, which helps the most vulnerable people in the world. Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Aaron G. Frenkel and Honorary President of the EAJC Alexander Mashkevich also made a great contribution to facilitating this process.
“When some worrying events occur in the world, such as a situation in Afghanistan today, we, as the Jewish people, have no right to stand aside, and if it is within our power to provide assistance to the victims, we feel our duty to come to the rescue. We are very glad that 40 people today regained their hope for a new life,” said EAJC Board Chairman Aaron G. Frenkel.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress congratulates Aaron G. Frenkel, Chairman of the EAJC Board, on his birthday.
Dear Aaron,
On behalf of the heads of communities and organizations, members of the Board and the EAJC team, please accept our heartfelt congratulations and wishes of great success in all your endeavors, inspiration and happiness.
We are very grateful to you for your long-term support and active participation in the life of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, which made it possible to implement many EAJC projects and social initiatives. Your contribution to the prosperity of the Jewish people and the State of Israel is truly enormous.
We wish you blessings in all your good deeds, so that you continue to inspire us with your example until 120!
On September 5, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress gathered leaders of communities and organizations in the region online to congratulate them on the upcoming High Holidays.
The meeting was attended by EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, EAJC Board Chairman Aaron G. Frenkel, EAJC General Director Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, heads of communities and member organizations of the Congress. Representatives of the Jewish community of the United Arab Emirates also attended the meeting as observers.
“There is a meaning in so that we wish a sweet new year and dip apples in honey in a traditional meal on Rosh Hashanah. Our tradition prescribes us to do this so that we fully experience what a truly good year can await us, if we spend it in a right manner, doing good deeds, helping others, doing everything that is required of us. I want to thank you all for your great dedication and work for the benefit of the Jewish future in our region and wish you that the year will be exactly as we will imagine it, while eating traditional ‘simanim’ of the Rosh Hashanah,” – said the EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.
“Rosh Hashanah symbolizes a new beginning, and we hope that in the coming year, unlike previous ones, we will finally be able to see each other live,” said EAJC Chairman of the Board Aaron G. Frenkel.
In a special video address, the President of Israel, Yitzhak Herzog also congratulated the leaders of the Jewish Diaspora:
On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, we express our sincere condolences in connection with the terrorist attack at the Kabul airport, which claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and the American military.
“We categorically condemn any acts of violence directed against any groups of the population, regardless of their political, ideological and religious affiliation, and we hope that the perpetrators of these inhuman acts of terrorism will ultimately be brought to justice. We mourn together with the families of all victims,” said the president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.
EAJC President Dr.Michael Mirilashvili congratulated Dani Dayan on appointment as Head of Yad Vashem:
«On behalf of all the leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as the Head of Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center.
With anti-Semitism and Holocaust misrepresentation on the rise globally it is essential to preserve the Shoah memory and increase Holocaust education. Yad Vashem has been successfully accomplishing these missions for years now and there is no doubt that it will continue to pursue these vital missions under your leadership.
It has been an honor for the EAJC to establish and support the Moshe Mirilashvili Center for Research on the Holocaust in the Soviet Union and we look forward to working closely together for the benefit of the past, present and future generations and preserving Holocaust memory»
On August 22, following an invitation of Ebrahim Nonoo, Head of Bahrain’s Jewish Community and the President of the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC), the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress’ representative Chaim Blechman participated in a Selichot prayer held in the House of Ten Commandments synagogue in Manama, Bahrain.
The joint prayer was organized by the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities that comprises the Jewish communities of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s Hazzan Alex Peterfreund led the service from Bahrain and Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie joined him via Zoom.
EAJC President Mikhael Mirilashvili sent the Jewish community of Bahrain a letter, in which, in particular, he pointed out:
“The new developments in the GCC open up new perspectives of the Jewish life development and of cooperation between and mutual enrichment of the Arab and Jewish culture, as well as set new standards of the international relations on our planet. It is important to point out that your community has become one of the most important driving forces behind these changes.”
While exchanging their views later, the EAJC representative and Bahrain’s Jewish community’s leaders expressed their wish to further expand their contacts.
Mr. Ebrahim Nonoo noted, “we were honoured to have Chaim Blechman with us in person for the Selichot event. Our programs are all created with the aim of having Jews from all over the world join us virtually and it was quite a treat for us to have Chaim with us for a weekend of festivities.”
During his visit in Bahrain, the EAJC representative also held meetings with the country’s business community representatives interested in establishing strong ties both with Israeli partners and with partners of the Jewish communities in the Euro-Asian region.
President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Michael Mirilashvili congratulated Michael Brodsky on his appointment as the new Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine.
«On behalf of all the leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and myself please accept my congratulations on your appointment as the new Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine.
I am convinced that your extensive experience in working for diplomatic missions in the countries of euro-asian region will benefit bilateral relations between Ukraine and Israel.
I would also like to take the opportunity to reassure you of our support and cooperation with the representatives of Israel’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine. I believe that our cooperation will develop in the future and provide new opportunities in the best interests of Ukrainian Jewish communities and bilateral relations between our countries»
