Hundreds of thousands of Jews, spanning ten different time zones and across the vast lands of the former Soviet Union, proudly celebrated the festival of freedom and Jewish pride, Passover, in dignity and peace. This was made possible thanks to the extensive efforts of the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) to bring the spirit and joy of Passover to every single Jew.

In collaboration with Chabad rabbis and emissaries, local activists, and leaders, FJC and the Jewish communities distributed tens of thousands of Passover kits and kosher for Passover food parcels, including handmade Shmurah Matzah – generously provided by the Werdiger family – machine Matzah from Israel, wine, grape juice, Haggadah booklets, fish, meat, and many other necessities directly to the homes and JCCs of Jews across the entire FSU, both in major cities and remote villages. Locations included Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Latvia, and Moldova.

Hundreds of public Passover Seder nights were conducted with pride, hosting tens of thousands from all walks of life, ages, and socioeconomic levels. Special events, lectures, concerts, parties, educational and informal activities for children, teenagers, students, and adults also took place in hundreds of locations through FJC’s wide range of ongoing projects.

In addition, thanks to efforts to distribute and make available hundreds of tons of Matzah and wine, numerous Seder nights were observed by families and individuals at their private homes, attended by masses in pride and dignity.

“Passover has always been an especially important festival for the Jews of the FSU, even during the darkest eras of history,” explains a leading FJC activist. “Passover symbolizes the plea for freedom and dignity. The ability to celebrate as a Jew openly, publicly, in countries not so long ago oppressed by Communism, continues to excite and touch the hearts of FSU Jewry.”