Jewish communities pray for peace after Russian invasion of Ukraine
Groups across the religious spectrum offer prayers for those caught up in Moscow’s aggression

JTA — Prayers for peace are an integral part of Jewish worship.
Now, they are also a central part of the communal Jewish response as fighting is underway in Ukraine where Russian troops invaded.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, after weeks of intense diplomacy and despite the threat of harsh Western sanctions on Moscow, Russia launched a massive military operation against its neighbor Ukraine while claiming it sought a “demilitarization” and “denazification” of the country.
The Conservative/Masorti movement of Judaism and its affiliated organizations hosted a global prayer gathering over Zoom Thursday “for the well-being and safety of our brothers and sisters and all those in Ukraine under attack.”
The event featured Rabbi Reuven Stamov of Kehilat Masoret, a synagogue in Kiev.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, head of the Union for Reform Judaism, tweeted a call for peace.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already caused bloodshed & destruction.
“Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they practice war anymore."
Isaiah's words ring in our hearts this morning as we pray for the people of Ukraine.
— Rabbi Rick Jacobs (@URJPresident) February 24, 2022
The haredi Orthodox advocacy organization Agudath Israel also posted a prayer for peace.
As the situation becomes more dire we continue to pray for Ukraine’s Jewish communities. Agudath Israel’s Emergency Relief Fund was activated & we’re working w/ partners to ensure donations go to the communities needs, such as security & evacuation costs. https://t.co/nDlsnSMRo8 https://t.co/loACGvj7mK
— Agudath Israel of America (@AgudahNews) February 24, 2022
The Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis, a group that counts among its members rabbis in both Ukraine and Russia among other countries, released a statement Thursday morning praying for peace.
“In light of the growing volatility in Eastern Europe, the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis prays for peace, hoping for a de-escalation of the situation, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore,” the group said.
The American Jewish Committee posted a graphic reading “AJC stands with Ukraine” to Twitter early Thursday morning and called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a “flagrant violation of international law.”
AJC strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in flagrant violation of international law.
We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russian aggression cannot go unpunished. pic.twitter.com/rUyZFlNzUl
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) February 24, 2022
The National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, an organization that advocates for Jews in Eastern European and former Soviet countries, is hosting a webinar with Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States since February 2021, to address the situation.
“NCSEJ condemns the Russian invasion and violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and urge a cessation of Russian military action,” the group said in a statement. “Putin’s justification to invade is totally without merit and his assertion that Ukraine is a fascist or Nazi state has no basis. The Ukrainian Jewish community is fully integrated and enjoys all the rights and privileges as any other Ukrainian citizen.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.