European Commission Honors Jewish Refugees on Ukraine War Anniversary
An exhibition commemorating the project dedicated to rescuing Jews from Ukraine took place today at the European Commission in Brussels. The event saw the participation of esteemed figures including Oliver Varhelyi – Commissioner for Neighbouring countries, Rabbi Shlomo Koves – Chief Rabbi of EMIH, Katharina von Schnurbein – European Commission’s coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, Rabbi Menachem Margolin – President of European Jewish Association, Rabbi Raphael Ruthman – Federation of Jewish communities in Ukraine, Ambassador Haim Regev – Israeli ambassador to the EU, and more.
Central to the exhibition is the story of “Mahane Chabad,” situated on the shores of Lake Balaton in Hungary, offering refuge to over 5,000 Jewish refugees from various regions of Ukraine. This initiative, a collaboration between the Union of Hungarian Jewish Communities (EMIH) and the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU), repurposed a resort owned by the Hungarian government into a sanctuary for refugees, within a month of the war’s outbreak. Curated by Yitzchak Mais, former director of Yad Vashem, the exhibition is set to travel globally following its showcase in Brussels, with Paris as its next destination. The exhibition, through six large physical panels and three multimedia stations, aims to highlight the efforts of individual Jews and communal bodies to organize desperate attempts to flee the conflict-ridden country, as well as the endeavors of various international agencies to provide aid and safe havens for both Jewish and non-Jewish refugees.
Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbouring countries said: “From the beginning of the war the European Commision has stood with Ukraine and we have taken historic steps together. Let me assure you that Ukrainian people can count on the support of the European Commision. But the damages are huge and the needs are enormous, so many personal tragedies and suffering. We need to work together with Ukraine and our international partners to support and rebuild the country”.
Rabbi Shlomo Koves, Chief Rabbi of EMIH told the audience about the Hungarian government’s assistance in Mahane Chabad camp’s establishment and said: “As Passover approached, Rabbi Meir Stambler from the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine asked me to find a place to host a Seder for 1,000 people. That’s when I approached representatives of the Hungarian government, who were willing to help. This story exemplifies unity in a time when it is most needed. We see here an example of cooperation between different groups within the European Union, who may not always agree on other issues, but who can come together for a common cause when it comes to assisting those in need”.
Photos Courtesy: European Commission
