Jews Parade with Pride Down Kharkov’s Streets

Despite the fact that Lag Ba’omer fell out on a workday, hundreds of Kharkov Jews were able to proudly parade down the busy main streets of Kharkov – Pushkinskaya and Sumskaya St.

Police were unsure whether they would be able to close the streets at 4pm on a busy Thursday afternoon – but assured the community that the parade would be able to march on the sidewalks.

When the police saw the enthusiastic crowd and the excitement of the children, they quickly changed their minds and closed off the streets for traffic. Cars and buses stopped and pedestrians were amazed to watch the parade march by.

The Kindergarten,Talmud Torah Menachem, Or Avner school, Yeshiva Ktana, Machon, Academy and Stars students held up signs about the Rebbe’s mivtzoyim.

The rain at the end of the parade did not wash away the excitement and this will definitely be a Lag Baomer for all to remember.

7 Comments

  • Chaim

    This is very,very,very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I am proud to see what Chabad and Jews in the area are doing in Ukraine.
    Keep up to good work.

  • Alex Rubin

    I lived in that city for 40 years before coming to America. It is so touching to see and hard to believe – but real. What also comes to my mind – Jewish children marching to their death in concentration camps. That’s how I see the whole picture.

    I amdire the dedication of Chabad Rabbis. G-d bless them.

  • Michael K.

    I left Kharkov 23 years ago after living there for many decades and never looked back. First time I wish I would be there to see this with my own eyes. Thanks a ton.

  • orli

    beautiful and encouraging to the rest of us, some whose grandparents or great grandparents left Russia years ago.
    these children are so pure. they don’t have so much goshmius to be confused with so they are available b’ruchnius to appreciate and be involved. thankyou

  • Nora

    In my times, I could only get into the synangogue for sports. Good to see it getting back to its origins.

  • Miriam Lois Pollock

    Brought tears to my eyes – especially having participated with group of Russian/Ukrainian Jewish survivors in writing “I Love Life” – an anthology of Russian Jewish emigres – their flights from repression to freedom in Australia. Wonderful! Lois