Ukraine: Special Unit to Bring Chanukkah to Jewish Soldiers on the Frontlines
As Russian attacks intensify in Ukraine, the Jewish community in the country is preparing to celebrate Chanukkah for the fourth year under the shadow of war—this time with even more light. The Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU) has launched a unique initiative: a “special unit” will travel along the long eastern front, bringing the light of Chanukkah directly to Jewish soldiers serving in the Ukrainian army • Read More, Photos
The route stretches from the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, through central Donetsk, and up to Sumy and Kharkiv in the north. At least 1,500 Jewish soldiers currently serve in the Ukrainian army, which numbers over a million due to mandatory conscription.
Two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs will be decorated with festive lights, banners, and menorahs on their roofs. The vehicles were donated for ongoing activities with Jewish soldiers and will be operated by Yaakov Siniakov, who recently received an officer’s rank in recognition of his efforts. Accompanied by several volunteers, Siniakov will distribute personal menorahs, candles, donuts, and special holiday kits that the FJCU is currently sending to more than 50,000 Jewish households across Ukraine. The unit will also hold central menorah lighting ceremonies at key army bases along the front, inviting nearby Jewish soldiers to join.
In parallel, in cooperation with Chabad Shluchim, the FJCU will distribute holiday kits to thousands of Jewish homes across Ukraine. Each kit includes a decorative menorah, candles for all eight nights, five newly printed Ukrainian-language Chumashim, Chanukkah gelt, educational leaflets about the holiday, chocolate coins for children, a Ukrainian translation of the children’s book Eight Illuminated Candles by Jessica Liu, and—due to the spread of influenza in Ukraine—medical masks. Preparations at the federation’s large logistics center in Dnipro have been underway around the clock for the past two weeks and are set to conclude by the weekend.
Additionally, thousands of billboards across major Ukrainian cities feature Chanukkah greetings, organized by the FJCU, serving as a public reminder of the holiday.
Rabbi Meir Stambler, FJCU chairman and Shliach, said: “The purpose of all these initiatives is to increase the light. Darkness can only be overcome by adding more light. Alongside bringing joy and light to the soldiers, Chabad Shluchim will continue the annual Mivtza Chanukkah with public candle-lightings and large community events. Despite the challenges, the Jewish community of Ukraine is proudly led by our traditions. We pray that from Chanukkah—the festival of dedication—we will all move toward the dedication of the Third Temple and the complete redemption soon.”
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