From Ukraine to the Shomron: Plan in the Works to Resettle War Refugees
During a brief visit to Israel, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Shliach Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch toured the Shomron as a guest of Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan. The two discussed a joint initiative to absorb Jewish refugees from the war in Ukraine into communities in the region • Full Story, Photos
In a work meeting held at the start of the visit, Rabbi Markovitch described the current situation facing Kyiv’s Jewish community amid escalating fighting. Dagan expressed concern and offered the council’s support. Building on recent talks with Israel’s Minister of Aliyah, Dagan proposed forming a task force with Kyiv’s rabbinate to establish resettlement clusters for refugees in Shomron communities.
“This is a moment of history,” Dagan said. “When the Jewish People are called to help their brothers, we answer. The communities of the Shomron will open their hearts and professional resources for this mission.”
Rabbi Markovitch praised the gesture, saying, “It’s deeply moving to see this kind of mutual responsibility across continents.”
The visit included a strategic briefing overlooking Israel’s central coastal plain, a stop at Mitzpe Yosef with words of encouragement for soldiers of the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, and a condolence call to the Gaz family in Bruchin, mourning the loss of Tsala and her infant son Raviv Chaim, murdered on their way to the hospital. The Kyiv Jewish community has dedicated its daily food distributions in their memory.
“I came to offer strength,” said Rabbi Markovitch, “and left inspired by the family’s unwavering faith.”
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