The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine (JCU), the umbrella association of Ukraine’s independent social, charitable and religious Jewish organisations and the country’s EJC affiliate, launched its inaugural Kyiv Jewish Forum.
The two-day event is the first of its kind in Ukraine and will promote deeper ties between the Ukrainian Jewish population and world Jewry, offering an important platform for galvanising European efforts in the fight against antisemitism.
“In the context of deepening polarization, the rise of nationalism and identity politics, and the resurgence of antisemitic attitudes in Europe, initiatives like the Kyiv Jewish Forum are incredibly important. We hope it will build bridges – both within the Jewish community and outside it – and help foster deeper trust and cooperation for a peaceful and secure future,” said Boris Lozhkin, President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine.
Ukraine has one of the lowest levels of antisemitism in Central and Eastern Europe as a result of a shift in attitudes the country has witnessed over the last two decades. Besides antisemitism, the Kyiv Jewish Forum encouraged discussion on promoting global peace and security, the importance of memorialising, Ukraine’s relationship with Israel, and Jewish identity in the modern world.
Founded in 1999, the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine unites the country’s Jewish communities, supporting their development, whilst encouraging international support for Ukraine’s independence and promoting stronger ties between Ukraine and Israel. The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine also aims to combat antisemitism by preserving and promoting Jewish history, culture and memory of the Holocaust.
