By COLlive reporter
In a first meeting with Jewish leaders in New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for their efforts and support for the benefit of Ukraine.
Organized and hosted by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and coordinated by Rabbi Levi Matusof of Brussels, President Zelensky met with leaders of all the American Jewish organizations.
Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, Chief Rabbi of Dneper and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, opened this unique gathering by thanking the Jewish President for his steadfast support of the 174 Jewish communities in Ukraine.
In his remarks, Rabbi Kaminezki recalled that this first encounter occurred on the 25th of Elul, marking the day of the creation of the world: “This day signifies the birth of new beginnings and hope for our country Ukraine, under your dynamic leadership. You represent it with excellence,” he said.
President Zelensky praised Rabbi Kaminezki‘s tireless dedication for the flourishing of Jewish life in Ukraine for the past 29 years. He continued to speak of Ukraine as a nation of stability and security for the Jewish community: “To those who ask about anti-Semitism in Ukraine – just look at me!”
Zelensky assured the Jewish leadership of his commitment to commemorating the remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust by building the Babyn Yar Memorial. He called on them to continue their support of his country, and invited American and Israeli businessmen to come and invest in Ukraine.
All the speakers reiterated their support of the new Ukrainian government for their reforms, and recalled the deep bond and historical ties of Ukraine with the Jewish people.
Various philanthropists such as George Rohr were present at the meeting, and also conveyed a message of hope for the continued reforms to the stability for the foreign direct investment (FDI) climate in the country.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, addressed the President with inspiring words. He offered unique blessings to the president and his administration, which generated applause from all gathered participants.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Raphael Rutman, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, sounded the Shofar in honor of the upcoming Rosh Hashana holiday and an exclusive leather-bound Machzor for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur with Russian translation was presented to the President by Mayer Stambler, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
The Rebbe is proud of everything you do
The Rebbe’s Father is proud of everything you do
Go from strength to strength
Moshiach Now!