Ukrainian Prime Minister Sends Passover Greeting to the Country’s Jews: “Even After the Darkest Night, Hope Rises”

The letter was sent to Kyiv’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, along with blessings for the entire Jewish community in honor of the Festival of Freedom.

In honor of Passover, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal sent an official letter of greeting to Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi and emissary in Kyiv, extending warm wishes to the Jewish community of Ukraine for the holiday of freedom.

In his letter, Shmyhal wrote:
“Passover reminds us that even after the darkest night, the dawn breaks. The Jewish people have endured slavery, expulsions, and persecutions, yet always found their way to freedom. Especially in these challenging times, we must remember that darkness is not eternal, and redemption comes to those who do not lose hope and continue to struggle.”

The Ukrainian Prime Minister expressed his hope for a year of peace and an end to wars.

Alongside the official greeting, Kyiv’s Jewish community conducted a large-scale Passover aid operation with the support of the JRNU organization and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael in Ukraine. Thousands of food packages, matzah, and wine were distributed to Holocaust survivors, the elderly, and needy families. Additionally, in cooperation with the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, special Passover kits were delivered to Jewish prisoners and Jewish soldiers serving on the front lines.

Public Seders were also held at several locations across the city for those unable to celebrate with family. At the main Seder, hosted at the JCC Beit Menachem center, hundreds of Jews participated—including dignitaries, politicians, senior officials from the President of Ukraine’s office, and high-ranking officers from the Ukrainian military.

“We continue to act under any circumstances to bring the light of the holiday to every Jew, whether in prisons or on the battlefield,” said Rabbi Markovitch. “The Prime Minister’s blessing strengthens our spirit and is a testament to the recognition of the Jewish community’s significant contribution. Even during Passover, we remain a beacon of light, offering spiritual support and material aid to the Jews of Kyiv.”