Limmud Ukraine shows Jewish life is ‘unbreakable’

Guests included Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky, head of KKL-JNF in the country Leonid Kagan, composer Joshua Daniel Gershfield, author of the rock musical RISE, which is about Jewish resistance in the Holocaust and Ukrainian war photographer, whose exhibition “Born for Victory” and film 35 Days of Toretsk Defence were featured in the programme.

A concluding concert by Ukrainian musician Dmytro Shurov aka Pianoboy sent participants away on a note of hope and solidarity.

A time for renewal: Limmud Ukraine 2025 (photo: Boris Bukhman)[Missing Credit]

Natasha Cheshik, executive director of Limmud FSU, said, “Our return to Lviv was a very special moment for us – perhaps one of the most meaningful in our entire existence. We gathered here once again to learn, to dream, and to celebrate life. It was a moment of deep pride and hope, and we cherished it immensely.”

Chaim Chesler, founder of Limmud FSU, said, “When we began Limmud FSU 20 years ago, we could only dream of moments like this. To return to Lviv – a city with such rich Jewish history – and see hundreds of people come together for learning, dialogue, and joy, was profoundly moving. It proves that Jewish life in Ukraine is unbreakable.”

Limmud Ukraine 2025 (photo: Boris Bukhman)[Missing Credit]

Since its formation, Limmud FSU has sponsored more than 80 events for some 100,000 Jews either in the former Soviet Union or who have moved to live elsewhere. Event locations have ranged from the USA, UK and Israel to Moldova, Azerbaijan and Birobidzhan, the East Russian town where the Communist regime tried to encourage an autonomous Jewish region.