A young student at Odessa Beit Grand JCC Chanukah-themed program. Photo courtesy of JDC.

We are proud to partner with The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The JDC works in 70 countries to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide immediate relief for victims of natural and man-made disasters.

This Chanukah, thousands of Jews in the former Soviet Union will celebrate the annual Festival of Lights by partaking in holiday celebrations and menorah lightings, concerts, holiday meals, and Jewish cultural workshops at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) network of Hesed social welfare centers and Jewish community centers. Scores of JDC-trained volunteers of all ages are leading these Chanukah activities, a growing trend in the former Soviet Union.

“It’s no small miracle that Chanukah’s theme of bringing light to the darkness is being fully realized today by enthusiastic volunteers and thriving Jewish communities that have emerged a full generation after the fall of Communism. Our celebrations across the former Soviet Union, and around the world, are reminders that Chanukah’s message of perseverance and triumph in the face of the odds is still resonant today,” said David Schizer, JDC CEO.

In Ukraine, activities in Kiev range from Chanukah-themed art workshops to a Maccabee Revolt-focused game of laser tag, teaching teens and their parents about the holiday’s origins. An estimated 350 people will attend a Chanukah celebration in the Gomel region of Belarus in addition to a workshop making sufganiyot that will be held by the local Hesed social welfare center. In Bobruisk, children will attend the “Chanukah Miracle” event combining Jewish history and traditions with competitions and quizzes put together by local volunteers.