TEL AVIV — Despite facing multiple ballistic missile attacks from Yemen and renewed rocket fire from Gaza, the 500 Israelis with Soviet roots gathered in Tel Aviv on Dec. 29 for a full-day festival of Jewish learning remained undeterred.
“Even in these hard and complicated times, we’re still together,” said Liza Kats, a Ukraine native attending Limmud FSU’s Israel event for the fourth year. Last year, she was in IDF reserve duty after the Oct. 7 attack but now, as a civilian, she serves on the event’s organizing committee.
Limmud FSU is dedicated to helping Jews from former Soviet republics maintain their religious identity and unique traditions. The Israel conference, conducted in Russian and Hebrew, focused on Israel’s security needs, political future, and the rise of global antisemitism post-Oct. 7.
Raheli Baratz, head of the World Zionist Organization’s Department for Combating Antisemitism and Enhancing Resilience, discussed how social media fuels hate speech and antisemitic violence, including vandalism of Hanukkah menorahs worldwide.
“All countries must legislate laws to protect Jewish communities,” she emphasized, urging practical policies to uphold the vow of “never again.”
Baratz lauded Diaspora Jews for their unwavering support of Israel amidst a surge of hatred.
Raheli Baratz, head of the World Zionist Organization’s Department for Combating Antisemitism and Enhancing Resilience, at the Limmud FSU conference in Tel Aviv, Dec. 29, 2024. (Alexander Khanin)
Chaim Chesler, Founder of Limmud FSU, expressed admiration for the community’s resilience in times of crisis, highlighting the success of an apolitical organization amidst challenges.
Keynote speaker Alexander Ben Zvi, retired Israeli ambassador to Russia and Limmud FSU leader, emphasized the strategic importance of diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia.
Besides political discussions, the event offered various activities like crafts, Hanukkah treats, and an AI master class. For children, there was a clown performance by Fyodor Makarov and Vitaly Azarin.
Anna Levitin, originally from St. Petersburg, now working in Tel Aviv, shared her experience of belonging and support through Limmud FSU, emphasizing the importance of community for immigrants.
Limmud FSU founder Chaim Chesler, left, and Knesset member Avigdor Liberman, at the Limmud FSU event in Tel Aviv, Dec. 29, 2024. (Alexander Khanin)
Limmud FSU, with support from various organizations and philanthropists, has been a beacon for Jewish communities from the former Soviet Union for nearly two decades.
The event, organized by local leaders and volunteers, showcased the unity and diversity of the Israeli community, with a significant presence of Russian-speaking individuals and their descendants.
“Addressing the needs of this community is crucial for the success of any political bloc in Israel,” noted Gilad Kariv, an Israeli lawmaker from the Labor Party.
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