ZAPOROZHYE, Ukraine - For the sixth day of Chanukah, the Jewish community of Zaporozhye welcomed important guests, renowned philanthropist and the founder of the Ohr Avner Foundation, FJC President Lev Leviev and his wife Olga.
For their first visit to Zaporozhye, the city's Chief Rabbi Nochum Erentreu and Vice-Mayor Vladimir Chekassky welcomed them at a special ceremony. The top city official informed them that a 1.5-hectare plot has been allotted in the city's center for construction of a Jewish Community Center. Lev Leviev presented the Vice-Mayor with a silver Menorah and the official presented the Jewish philanthropist with a sculpture of a Cossack, the symbol of Zaporozhye.
Lev and Olga Leviev also visited the Ohr Avner Jewish kindergarten, where the youngsters arranged a Chanukah concert. The guests took time to talk with the children and their parents, congratulating them on Chanukah. "I wish that you will grow up to be like your grandparents, who kept the flame of Jewish belief in their hearts, even through the misfortunes and sufferings of the 20th century," expressed Lev Leviev.
During a meeting with community members, Lev and Olga Leviev learned a lot of interesting things about Jewish life in the Zaporozhye Region and heard expressions of appreciation from many local Jews for the Leviev's extensive support. The day's events culminated with a visit to the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School, where Lev Leviev lit a candle of the Chanukah Menorah and greeted the children and parents. Everyone enjoyed a festive concert, featuring a number of ensembles run by the Jewish community.
"The things I have seen at the school exceeded my expectations," stated the philanthropist. "I haven't seen such a joyful Chanukah for ages. During a tour of the school with my family, my children were completely astonished when they asked me why we don't have such schools in Israel. You have made an important step on the way to a Jewish renaissance. Jews of Zaporozhye love their children and are giving them the best education. This means the community has a future. I can see how much Rabbi Nochum Erentreu and his wife Dina do for the future of this community," affirmed Leviev.
The leaders held a press conference for local mass media, where FJC President answered countless questions regarding his philanthropic activity. When asked about the current situation in Ukraine, he answered, "The most important thing is that Ukraine can now provide an opportunity of being what you are; Jews of Ukraine are free to live in accordance with their national traditions. I believe that we left the worst behind in the 90ies and now your life in Ukraine will only improve".
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