Impacted by two wars, Jewish Ukrainian refugees celebrate a special Passover in Poland

• Published date: 23 April 2024
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The seder included a prayer for the return of the 133 hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Pictures of the hostages were placed around the room

"This year, we celebrate Passover differently, praying for the return of the hostages that remain in captivity," said Yael Branovsky, head of The Jewish Agency office in Poland.

Now over 2 years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, and over 6 months since the hostages were kidnapped, the celebrations were said to hold a special meaning.

"This year, Passover, the holiday of freedom, is different and special. We all think of the captives in Gaza and hope for their return. However, Israel is a strong country, both in spirit and in action, and knows how to defend itself. Israel is a center for Jewish life and existence in the world, and there is a place in it for every Jew who wants to make it their home. A strong and connected Diaspora is also very important, and I want to thank The Jewish Agency for its incredible activity," said Dr. Yaakov Livneh, Israel's ambassador to Poland, who attended the event.

Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland, also attended the Seder and added, "Our strength is in our unity. I am happy to see everyone here celebrating Passover and praying for the freedom of the Jewish people."

Impacted by two wars

"We have family and friends in Israel and Ukraine. We have friends and family living in cities being bombed in Ukraine, and we have cousins who recently returned from reserve duty in Gaza. From morning until night, we follow the news in Israel and Ukraine with...