News

Updates from Hillel CASE (Central Asia Southeastern Europe)

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 23, 2024

Hillel CASE unites Jewish students across the former Soviet Union, with centers in Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Lviv, as well as Chisinau, Moldova; Minsk, Belarus; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Baku, Azerbaijan. Check out some of their top programs from the first few months of 2024.

February 2024

Yad VaShem: Zoom In

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, students across Hillel CASE participated in an interactive program with the Yad VaShem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. The event centered on the importance of communal memory and bringing major historical events to the forefront. Students broke into groups to watch documentaries about events like Kristallnacht, the Nuremberg Laws, Blood Libels, and the Judenrat, then gave presentations about what they learned to the full community. By engaging with the difficult memories of our past, these students hoped to ensure the message of International Holocaust Remembrance Day remained front and center: Never forget.

Celebrating Tu B’Shvat

Each Hillel CASE city has its own Tu B’Shvat traditions, and this year was no exception. Classes and programs were held across the region, with particular attention paid to the seven fruits of Israel that symbolized the New Year of Trees. Celebrations included making eco-friendly accessories in Kyiv; master classes on botany, Jewish herblore, and unique plant traditions in Odesa, Minsk, and Kharkiv; and tree-planting in Baku. 

One of the most unique Tu B’Shvat events this year was held in Odessa. Joining the talented craftswomen from the Roslynna Lavka studio, students dove into the roots, history, and traditions of Tu B’Shvat by creating magical compositions from small plants, moss, and stones. They learned how to select and care for their chosen plants, and how to grow them in small jars. Once their planted masterpieces had been finished and decorated, students ended the event with a dessert of delicious dates — one of the seven fruits of Israel, and a sweet symbol of the holiday.

Student Support in Kharkiv

Daily stress and anxiety are a constant for many college students. Mental health support programs play a crucial role in helping them online and offline, and Hillel is proud to launch new initiatives that bring mental health professionals to students. Recently, Hillel Kharkiv welcomed a psychologist who will facilitate several classes on understanding and combating anxiety which is especially high among students impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war. Other offerings include art therapy classes, where students apply therapy techniques to thinking broadly and creatively, discussing and celebrating one another’s work.

Opening a New Office with a Celebratory Shabbat

Kharkiv Hillel opened a new office this year, and celebrated by welcoming students for a community challah-baking program for their first Shabbat. Students enjoyed their delicious bread together at a communal dinner — because nothing makes a warm challah better than some good company. The following day, students welcomed in the new week with an informal program featuring presentations by students on entertaining topics like “Capybara Research,” “Things in Hillel That Just Make Sense,” “The Influence of the Gastronomic Avant-garde on Fashion in the Context of Zero Fashion,” and more. We wish we could have been there!

June 2023

Hillel Kharkiv back in nature for Lag Ba’Omer! For the first time in over a year, Hillel Kharkiv was able to gather for an outdoor program. The Hillel community came together to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer with a bonfire, treats, and games about the traditions and practices of Lag Ba’Omer. Hillel participants and staff alike were excited to celebrate together in nature after so many months of upheaval. 

Learning about art therapy in Kyiv: Over the past year, Hillel CASE has worked to provide mental health resources and support for young adults and their families facing upheaval and trauma from the war in Ukraine. Recently, a cohort of young adults from Hillel Kyiv visited the Or Shalom Center for Trauma Work to participate in a group art therapy exercise. Members of the cohort spoke about how they are hopeful these exercises will help them manage this difficult time in their lives. 

Celebrating Shavuot in the rain: Dnipro Hillel gathered for a picnic to celebrate Shavuot as a community. Despite an unexpected rainstorm, students were excited to make milkshakes, learn about the origins of the holiday, and study Torah together. When the rain ended, the students and staff held a particularly emotional havdalah ceremony and reflected on how their community’s connections helped them overcome the struggles of the past year. 

Children’s Dream Festival with Hillel Lviv: In honor of World Children’s Day, Hillel Lviv participants created a festival for children in their community. Activities included baking classes, fire dances, and sandal-making workshops. The festival also featured artwork for sale from children all over Ukraine to raise money for programming and support for children impacted by the war. 

February 2023

Stories from Hillel CASE in recognition of the first anniversary of the start in the war in Ukraine:

Warsaw has always been my home. I was born here and grew up in and around the city. It’s central to who I am, and serving the Jewish community here has been a foundational part of my life for many years.

Radek Pintara

Read Radek’s Story Here

Hillel Kharkiv: Hope in the Darkness

One year later, the war in Ukraine continues to impact families, students, and Hillels across the country. Yulia Pototskaya, Director of Hillel Kharkiv, understands this better than most. 

Building New Lives and a Community in Israel

When the world is shifting around you, you’re far from your family, and the news from home is filled with fear and violence, where do you turn? Young adults from Ukraine and Russia who fled to Israel turn to a community that is a source of joy and comfort for them: their Hillel community.

November 2022

Hillel Kyiv and Hillel Odessa Meet for Shabbat in Chernivtsi: For the first time, the young adults of Hillel Kyiv and Hillel Odessa joined together to celebrate Shabbat in the historic city of Chernivtsi. Touring the city, visiting historical sites, and celebrating Shabbat were all on the itinerary. One surprise event: a marriage proposal, to which the answer was a resounding “yes”!

Helping Those in Need with Hillel Kyiv: At the conclusion of the High Holidays, students from Hillel Kyiv purchased and delivered food and other supplies to those in need in their city, even as air raid sirens sounded around them. 

Celebrating Sukkot in Odessa: Each year, students from Hillel Odessa join the Migdal Community Center to fulfill the commandments of Sukkot, have a delicious meal in the sukkah, and remember the history and traditions of the holiday. A great time was had by all!

Shabbat by Candlelight in Kyiv: After authorities requested residents of Kyiv to save electricity by turning off their lights, Hillel Kyiv observed Shabbat by candlelight. Participants who could not make it in person were able to join the service online. Shabbat was celebrated to the tune of vinyl records and calm conversations.

Hillel Kharkiv’s Havdalah and Paint Night: Students from Hillel Kharkiv gathered in a local coffee shop to observe Havdalah and have an evening of painting. This event marked their first time together since February. It was a beautiful chance for those gathered to reconnect after so many months apart.

Dealing with Anxiety at Hillel Odessa: Psychologist Tetyana Abramova met with members of Hillel Odesa to discuss addressing anxiety during stressful times. Participants found the session incredibly helpful, and they look forward to meeting with Dr. Abramova again soon.

October 2022

Hillel Kharkiv Rebuilds: After many months of rebuilding and healing, Hillel Kharkiv was able to spend Shabbat together in their restored building. It was a powerful experience that inspired students with the sense of how strong and resilient their community is and a true moment of celebration and togetherness. 

Jewish Atlantis (a ten-day journey through the forgotten shtetls of Ukraine): This summer Hillel Kharkiv’s students traveled to Jewish communities in Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe. While plans had to be changed several times due to the war, students were able to visit important Jewish historical sites such as the Krakow Ghetto Square, the Alt Shul, and Schindler’s factory. Students filmed video essays as part of the trip and are excited to share those with their community this fall. 

Taglit group from Baku: In August, 22 students traveled from Baku to Israel through Taglit. In preparation for the trip, the students spent time together learning about each other and about what to expect from the trip. They were also able to speak with a Taglit alum who shared his experience with traveling to Israel and how it has impacted his Jewish identity. 

Madrich Schools: 17 students graduated recently from the Madrich program which trains young Jewish leaders in Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. These students will go on to run programs in summer camps, Hillels, and staff trips with Taglit. They had a blast!

Service Projects: From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Hillel Lviv’s students have been working hard to serve the vulnerable members of their communities in this difficult and unsettled time. Students work with children to make sure they have food and school supplies and spend time with older adults to connect with them and alleviate loneliness.

 *Photo provided by Hillel CASE

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News

Hillel Kharkiv: Hope in the Darkness

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 23, 2023

February 24 marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Leading up to that day, we will share stories and experiences from Hillel students and professionals who have been impacted by the war over the last year. Stay tuned for more stories in the coming days. 

One year later, the war in Ukraine continues to impact families, students, and Hillels across the country. Yuliya Pototskaya, Director of Hillel Kharkiv, understands this better than most. 

When the war broke out, Yuliya and her staff jumped into action to make sure their students, young adults, and families connected to Hillel were safe and had access to food, electricity, and shelter. They decided that they would offer the Hillel building as a space where members could stay if they needed a safe, warm place to sleep and eat. 

Yuliya and her team had just started discussing the logistics of that plan on March 2, 2022 when they received the devastating news that the Hillel Kharkiv building had been destroyed by a Russian missile. “There are two days that stand out to me as the hardest days of my life,” Yuliya remembered, “The one that came first is the day that Hillel Kharkiv was bombed.” 

For the first month after Russia invaded Ukraine, Yuliya was determined to stay with her family and community in Kharkiv for the duration of the war. But with the incessant barrage of missiles being fired by Russian troops just over the nearby border, there were more difficult days to come. Yuliya’s heart hurt for her children who were in shock from the noise and the violence caused by living under constant attack in Kharkiv. She and her husband, Yuriy, realized that they needed to remove their family from the immediacy of the war, and Yuliya decided to relocate temporarily to France with their children. 

While Yuliya stays in France (she is adamant about the fact that she still lives in Ukraine), she remains closely connected to her staff on the ground in Kharkiv and the other four cities in Ukraine where Hillel operates. 

As much of the immediate violence began to abate in Kharkiv in the fall of 2022, students and professionals who are active in Hillel have built up a remarkable network of service and programs for their community. Over 30 Hillel Kharkiv participants have returned to active engagement in the Jewish community despite ongoing bombing in the city. Each week, participants from Hillel Kharkiv gather together for Shabbat, Torah discussions, game nights, and inspirational Havdalah services. 

Hillel participants also plan programming for children in their neighborhoods that are designed to bring a sense of fun and excitement to children whose lives have been uprooted. They bring meals to older adults and make sure members of their communities have electricity, food, and water. 

As Yuliya reflects on the last year, she says, “Hillel gives us hope against all odds.” The courage of the students and professionals of Hillel Kharkiv gives her hope that she and her family will return to Ukraine, reconnect with their community, and rebuild their lives in the city and country that is their home. 

The post Hillel Kharkiv: Hope in the Darkness appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Building New Lives and a Community in Israel

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 22, 2023

February 24 marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Leading up to that day, we will share stories and experiences from Hillel students and professionals who have been impacted by the war over the last year. Stay tuned for more stories in the coming days. 

When the world is shifting around you, you’re far from your family, and the news from home is filled with fear and violence, where do you turn? Young adults from Ukraine and Russia who fled to Israel turn to a community that is a source of joy and comfort for them: their Hillel community.

Throughout the past year, Hillel staff members who live in Israel have created unique programming for young adults who previously participated in Hillel in Ukraine and Hillel Russia. These displaced students and young adults are looking to connect with each other as they create new homes for themselves in Israel. “Seeing these young adults come together throughout the year and reconnect with their Hillel community as they establish new lives in Israel is an ongoing inspiration for both myself and my colleagues,” said Josh Hartman, Associate Vice President for Immersive Experiences and Interim Lead of Global Operations at Hillel International.

From the High Holidays to Hanukkah, Hillel alumni have gathered to celebrate, study Torah, and uplift each other. 

This unique Hillel family provides support for Ukrainian and Russian young adults fleeing the war and helps them rebuild their lives in Israel. As we mark the first anniversary of the start of the war, these first hand accounts from Russian and Ukrainian Hillel members demonstrate the beauty and importance of connecting with their Jewish community across borders and far from home. 

(Reflections have been lightly edited for language and clarity)

Noa Tumin, Hillel Moscow: For me it was an opportunity to see people I worked, volunteered, and had fun with for years, when we were still in Moscow, living our “old lives”. A chance to share experiences of being in a new country, learning a new language, and starting life from scratch with those who are going through the same hardships. To feel that we are still together, still part of Hillel, no matter what.

Atara Didenko, Hillel Kyiv: As a Jewish professional at Hillel Kyiv, I used to say: “Hillel is an opportunity.” Hillel and its meetings are an opportunity for leadership, to see people you haven’t seen for a long time, and a chance to reconnect with some old acquaintances. “Hillel is a family” is the second thing we like to say.  And family gatherings are always fun, noisy, and very warm. It was just like that at the Hillel Hanukkah event. I hope to see my Hillel family all together again soon.

Alena Vares, Hillel Donetsk: Lighting Hanukkah candles is always a special moment for me. This year I had the pleasure of lighting candles with my warm Hillel family in Jerusalem, just like we used to light together in Hillel Donetsk in Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who helped bring us together.

Ksusha Pelishenko, Hillel Moscow: Hanukkah with Hillel in Jerusalem was a real little winter miracle for me. I saw my beloved friends, felt like I was in a family circle, talked about miracles, and left with a feeling of real celebration and unity.

Reflecting on the past year, Elena Voltsinger, CEO of Hillel Russia, said, “These gatherings are truly miraculous as Hillel brings together students from different campuses, generations, and even countries, supporting each other as a true global family. As we look to the future, Hillel International’s support of Jewish student communities from war-affected areas is a true uniting force and service to the  international Jewish community.”  

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News

Hillel CASE Gathers in Israel

Author

Hillel International

Date

June 27, 2022

For 25 years, Hillel in Central Asia and Southeastern Europe (CASE) has played a prominent role in the lives of Jewish students and young adults in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Crimea, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

This February, just three days before the war in Ukraine began, city and country directors from Hillel CASE gathered in Odessa for their bi-annual staff gathering. Despite world-altering challenges since their last meeting, including being displaced by the war, the staff found strength in themselves and reunited again last weekend in Jerusalem to plan strategically for the year ahead and experience the joy of each other’s presence.

For the upcoming year, staff will focus on providing both in-person and online opportunities for Jewish students and young adults to participate in Hillel CASE programs and activities, regardless of where they are. They will continue to provide mental health and wellness services to students impacted by the war in Ukraine. Since the war began, Hillel CASE has also expanded to support student-led volunteer efforts, including food deliveries for large families, consulting on evacuation and repatriation, and coordinating evacuation buses.

Last Sunday, more than 130 alumni and current students of all Hillel CASE cities and countries convened at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv for an incredible evening of reunions and activities. Participants were delighted to attend a program called “Show Reels” which featured interactive games, video messages from students who cannot currently leave Ukraine, and two Hillel music videos, including an Atlantis video and a choreographed Hillel anthem. Members of Donestk Hillel, a Hillel that closed after the Russian invasion in 2014, were also in attendance.

On Monday morning, Hillel International Board of Governors Chair Matthew Bronfman joined the group to learn directly from Hillel CASE directors. Directors shared how their teams have provided mental health support to students, served the elderly, volunteered during rocket attacks in Odessa, distributed thousands of Passover food packages, transitioned Kharkiv operations to Lviv, and supported the huge flow of refugees at Hillel Moldova.

This gathering was made possible in large part by the global Hillel community that provided more than $1 million to support Jewish students, Hillel staff, and their families affected by the war in Ukraine through the Emergency Relief Fund. 

View the photo gallery from the event here.

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News

Hillels around the world celebrate Good Deeds Day

Author

Emma Lichtenstein

Date

April 21, 2022

The post Hillels around the world celebrate Good Deeds Day appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Hillel International Launches Emergency Relief Fund to Support Jewish Students, Professionals Impacted by Crisis in Ukraine

Author

Hillel International

Date

March 1, 2022

WASHINGTON – As the war in Ukraine rages into its second week, Hillel International is launching an Emergency Relief Fund to support the urgent needs of Hillel professionals and students in the impacted region, as well as Hillel’s humanitarian work supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Funds raised will be used to support immediate, short-term, and long-term needs, including:

• Critical supplies for Hillels in Germany and Poland to provide food, water and medicine for Jewish refugees between the ages of 18-36, as well as mental health support and counseling
• Emergency assistance to support Hillel professionals and their families who have been displaced or left without homes
• Converting Hillel spaces in these communities into temporary housing, including bathrooms, showers, blankets, pillows and mattresses for Jewish students and young adults displaced by the conflict
• Continued operations and security upgrades for Hillels across Europe so that they can continue to support students while meeting the urgent needs of refugees

Hillel has been transforming the lives of Jewish college students in Ukraine and in Eastern and Central Europe for more than 25 years, empowering a generation of young adults along their Jewish journeys. Hillel serves students in five cities in Ukraine and a total of 15,000 students at 24 Hillels across the region, in countries like France, Poland, Germany, Moldova, and Georgia.

Adam Lehman, Hillel International President and CEO, said, “Right now, Jews in Ukraine are in crisis, including Jewish students and the Hillel professionals who care for, mentor and support them. Hillel’s immediate goal is ensuring the safety of Hillel professionals and their families throughout the region, as well as supporting the Hillels themselves as a critical resource for students and young adults. The Hillel International Emergency Relief Fund will provide essential funds to the impacted Hillels and ensure that Hillel professionals across the region will be there to help our students, their families and the broader Jewish community for years to come.”

The Hillel International Emergency Relief Fund will work hand-in-hand with trusted, highly skilled relief organizations on the ground, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel, and Jewish Federations of North America to ensure the critical, lifesaving needs of the entire Jewish community are met.

“In times like these, we live the Jewish value of Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze La Zeh — all Jews are responsible for one another. I am so proud of the way our Hillel community around the world — professionals, students, and supporters — is mobilizing and coming together to meet this urgent need,” Lehman said.

Donations to the Hillel International Emergency Relief Fund can be made at donate.hillel.org/EmergencyRelief.

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