STARS Ukraine: Discovering Israel, Strengthening Jewish Identity – The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS

Twenty-five Jewish students and young adults from Ukraine recently completed an 11-day journey through Israel, organized by Birthright Israel (Taglit) and STARS Ukraine with JRNU's support. The program aimed to explore Israel, deepen Jewish heritage knowledge, and foster connections. Participants visited significant sites like the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, Masada, and northern Israel, including gravesites of tzaddikim. Educational activities included lectures, Jewish studies, communal prayers, and meetings with rabbis and public figures. Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski, who leads STARS Ukraine, stated, "A journey like this allows young Jews not only to learn about their heritage, but to experience it in the places where Jewish history and life come alive." This initiative, which continues despite emergency conditions in Ukraine, seeks to strengthen Jewish identity and pride.