Jews and Ukraine: It’s Complicated

Jews have a long and rich history in Ukraine going back more than a millennium. It was once one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, and has had a major influence on the development of Ashkenazi Jewish culture. But Ukraine is also the site of some of the most brutal scenes of anti-Jewish violence in history.

As Russian forces rolled across the Ukrainian border in February 2022, much of the world rallied to support a beleaguered country facing a brutal invasion from its much larger neighbor. Yet for many Jews, the Ukraine crisis prompted a more complex reaction. 

Enter your email address below to join My Jewish Learning and JTA News’ email series devoted to exploring the Jewish connection to Ukraine. This email series will guide you through this complicated history and the ways it sheds light on the battles unfolding in the present. We will introduce you to both the glories and the agonies of the Ukrainian Jewish story. After the email series is complete, JTA News and My Jewish Learning will continue keep you up to date on what’s happening with Jewish people and communities around the world with their daily newsletters.