soviet jews

The territories of the former Russian Empire were the cradle of Jewish modernity, the birthplace of Zionism and Jewish socialism, and a major center of the Hasidic movement.

A former Soviet dissident, Sharansky spent nine years in prison and became the face of the movement to free Jews living under communism.

Jews from Ukraine have made essential contributions to Jewish thought and culture, and have also brought world-class talent to science, art, politics and more.