Ukraine Jewish Community Represented at Gala Event

KIEV, Ukraine -- This week, the Jewish community in Ukraine was represented at a gala concert organized by Kiev Mayor Olexander Omelchenko in honor of an official visit to the Ukrainian capital by a delegation from Andorra. The event opened with speeches by the Mayor and Minister of Education for Andorra and launched into a celebration of dance and music, culminating in a performance by a symphony orchestra.

Of the approximately 100 persons in attendance, the Jewish community was represented, with both Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Azriel Chaikin and Chief Rabbi of Kiev Yonathon Markowitz receiving invitations. This exclusive event also involved dozens of dignitaries, city officials, and the good bulk of the Ministers appointed to Ukraine's Cabinet this past week.

During the event, Rabbi Markowitz also took the opportunity to speak with numerous attendees, including Kiev Mayor Olexander Omelchenko, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Naomi Ben Ami and USA Ambassador John E. Herbst. The invitation from the Mayor represents a developing tradition of good relations with the Jewish community in Kiev.