Despite the adversities of war, Kyiv's Jewish community reaffirmed its resilience by celebrating Tu B'Shevat with a tree-planting ceremony at the "Perlina" Jewish School. This year's celebration held special significance as the institution had been recently restored after suffering damage from a Russian drone attack.
Kyiv's Chief Rabbi, Yonatan Markovitch, who has Portuguese ancestry, emphasized the importance of the event as a symbol of hope and renewal. The ceremony was attended by students, seven ambassadors, nine consuls from various countries, and Major General Kyrylo Budanov, demonstrating international support for the local Jewish community.
After the tree planting, participants gathered for a traditional Tu B'Shevat Seder, where they enjoyed the fruits mentioned in the Torah. The event concluded with ecological workshops and artistic performances by students, highlighting the new generation's commitment to nature preservation and rebuilding a better future for Ukraine.
The celebration of Tu B'Shevat amidst the conflict reinforces the message that despite hardships, life continues to flourish.
