Opening of a Jewish Center in East Ukraine Evokes Pride Among Local Jews

The opening of the Max Grant Jewish Center in Zaporozhye marks an important development in the spiritual life of the Ukrainian city. Thanks to the Ross family through World Jewish Relief, JDC and local donors, the complex will help to unite the community, housing both a Jewish Cultural Center (JCC) and the Hesed Michael Social Welfare Center.

Alina, 83 years old, who attended the opening ceremonies, was one of the first volunteers at Hesed Michael, established nearly ten years ago. "This new center is just beautiful," she said. "I'm not just talking about the building itself. It is amazing to see such Jewish life in these walls. Looking back, I recall how we started working in the basement. Now, seeing so many happy Jews helping one another, I can say that I have a reason to live."

Built on the wide plains bordering the Dnieper River, the highly industrialized city of Zaporozhye has been home to Jews since the 15th Century. During World War II, the Jewish population – then 40,000 – was wiped out by the Nazis. Nonetheless, today Zaparozhye is home to some 15,000 Jews and 6,000 in the periphery, nearly one third of which are pensioners.

In the last number of years and with the help of JDC, a resurgence of Jewish life has been experienced in Zaporozhye. When in 1995 JDC helped to found Hesed Michael, the social welfare center served 170 clients with six programs. Today Hesed provides assistance such as food packages, hot meals, and medical care to 3,000 elderly clients, and offers 25 programs including a local favorite, "Hesed Yeladim," which brings more than 40 children for regular visits with the clients.

Similarly, the JCC that was established in 1999 with some 300 participants and ten programs presently runs 30 community programs for more than 2,500 participants. These programs offer Jews, who under Communism were denied a religious education, opportunities to rediscover their Jewish heritage in ways that promote the community's self-governance, pluralism, and tolerance. New educational programs are also continually being developed in response to particular needs, including the healthy development of Jewish families and rehabilitation for children-at-risk.

In addition, two Jewish day schools and a kindergarten have been operational in Zaporozhye for several years under Rabbi Erentroi.

The new center will serve as one address where local Jews can come for all of their communal needs. Among other facilities, the three-story complex includes a theater, kosher cafeteria, gym, library, dance space, and computer hall. Many in the community are already feeling great pride at the center's establishment.

Natasha, age 57, lives next door to the new complex. Even after the fall of Communism in the FSU, she did not tell anyone that she was a Jew. Today, thanks to JDC-sponsored programs, she is newly connected with the Jewish community. "I can see how much Jews are doing one for another, and for the first time in my life I feel extremely proud; I feel Jewish," she said, looking around the center. "I found here new friends, wonderful programs, and a warm home. I bring my 3-year-old granddaughter here because I want her to know about her roots. I'm sure that here, in this center, she will find something that I was deprived of all my life: a chance to live a real Jewish life and be proud of it."

Local Jewish leaders, a delegation from World Jewish Relief, businessmen and community members flocked to celebrate the center's grand opening with a number of Ukrainian government officials on October 25th. Mr. Evgeniy Kartashov, mayor of Zaporozhye, spoke about the Jewish community's contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of the city. And in honor of JDC's 90th anniversary, Mr. Kartashov awarded the organization Official Recognition through Shauli, JDC Country Director for Eastern-Northern Ukraine.

Reflecting on the symbolism of dedicating this new complex, Shauli said, "I recently visited Auschwitz, and it occurred to me while I was there that Nazis believed they could destroy Jewish life forever. And here I am, the son of a Holocaust survivor, opening a new Jewish center in Zaporozhye. It is truly a miracle!"

Speeches by distinguished guests including an emotive address by Mr Nigel Ross, vice chairman of World Jewish Relief, were followed by a gala show of Jewish performances including Klezmer, vocal and dance groups from all over the region, as well as Georgia and Bulgaria.