President Zelenskyy Receives First Ukrainian-Language Torah at Passover Meeting with Rabbis

Ukrainian President Meets with Jewish Community

According to Главком: On April 6, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with rabbis and representatives of Jewish communities to mark the festival of Passover. The holiday period in 2026 lasted from the evening of April 1 until the evening of April 9. The discussions during the event included an exchange of greetings, the current situation in the country, and a presentation of Jewish literature published in the Ukrainian language. This meeting underscores the resilience of Ukraine's diverse communities during a time of ongoing conflict.

Rafael Rutman, Vice President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, presented over 40 books during the gathering. Among them was the first Torah ever published in the Ukrainian language, which was gifted to President Zelenskyy. Notably, these books are printed in Kharkiv, a city that has repeatedly endured attacks from Russia.

The Significance of Passover

During the meeting, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the holiday, stating:

'Passover is precisely about the victory of freedom.'

Chief rabbis emphasized that 'Ukraine is living through a very difficult time but has not lost its statehood or freedom and continues to fight.' They added that 'the Jewish community will continue to make every effort and pray for our country's victory.' Rafael Rutman noted that 'since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, the volume of Jewish literature translated into Ukrainian has increased.'

This event highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue and the support of diverse communities in Ukraine amid military aggression. The representatives of the Jewish community expressed their determination to support the nation during these challenging times, demonstrating unity and solidarity within Ukrainian society. The presentation of Ukrainian-language literature can also be seen as a step toward preserving cultural heritage and fostering linguistic diversity in Ukraine.

This meeting not only reflects the resilience of Ukraine's Jewish community but also resonates with President Zelenskyy's broader messages of hope during challenging times. For insights into his recent address that emphasizes perseverance and unity, you can read more about his Easter message of hope.