Zelensky meets Chabad rabbis ahead of Rosh Hashanah, calls for more Israel support

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with dozens of Chabad rabbis in the country ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, and calls for greater support from Israel.

According to rabbis who were at the meeting, Zelensky says he expects stronger backing from the Jewish state, which would make it easier for the country to host the thousands of pilgrims heading to Uman.

Zelensky, who is Jewish himself, handed out decorations to 15 Jewish soldiers at the event.

Turning to the community leaders from cities across the country, Zelensky says, “Because of you, the glorious Jewish community continues to flourish here, and you continue to do your part both within Ukraine and abroad, for the Jews here and for the general population.”

The event was organized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, and its head Rabbi Meir Stambler.

“Thank you for supporting our country, our aspiration for peace,” says Zelensky’s office in a statement. “Peace can be achieved through Ukraine’s victory only.”