Indian Ambassador Visits Jewish Community Center in Kyiv: “Promoting Peace and Mutual Respect”

India’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Anjani Kumar, visited the Beit Menachem Jewish Community Center in Kyiv, where he met with Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and the city’s Chabad emmisary, and his son, Rabbi Ariel Markovitch, Rabbi of Kyiv’s Israeli community and its young adult community.

During the meeting, the ambassador praised the Jewish community and highlighted the longstanding historical ties between India and the Jewish people, noting that Jews have lived in India for thousands of years.

He emphasized the importance of promoting peace and mutual respect and recalled the 2008 terrorist attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, in which Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs. Rivka Holtzberg, Hy”d, were murdered. The ambassador also spoke about Sandra Samuel, who courageously rescued the couple’s young son, Moishy Holtzberg, during the attack.

“We attach great importance to strengthening ties between the Jewish communities of India and Ukraine and building bridges of friendship and mutual respect,” Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch said.

Rabbi Ariel Markovitch added, “Our tradition takes on true meaning when we translate it into action, helping others and giving to those in need.”

During the visit, the ambassador was also introduced to the community’s extensive humanitarian activities, including the distribution of hot meals and food packages to displaced families, needy households, children and elderly residents living alone.

Ambassador Kumar, who arrived in Kyiv approximately two months ago to assume his diplomatic post, expressed his appreciation for the Jewish community and its ongoing humanitarian work.