Who will provide matzoh to the Ukrainians? Agudath Yisrael of the United States

Despite uncertainty in Ukraine and Crimea following the volatile political situation and political upheavals that occur every day, Agudath Yisrael of the U.S. will not give up on Operation Passover which they arrange for thousands of Jews in Russia, Ukraine and other countries, and they are already in the midst of Operation to transfer products to Jews all over the country.

The beginning of the operation was for the Jews living in the former Soviet Union and other communist countries during the 50s, the preparations for Passover matzo obtaining kosher wine was almost intolerable. Many of them tried to do so with limited resources at their disposal, but still have not been able to celebrate the festival properly. During the same period, unfortunately, there were numerous cases in which Jews bakes matzah which still had elements of chametz.

When Agudath Yisrael of America has recognized the plight of Jews in these countries, she recognized the spiritual needs of those Jews and worked to recruit volunteers to secretly transfer matzo and other basic commodities for Passover. Ingredients were passed through different humanitarian channels and contact assistance of Agudath Yisrael of Switzerland.

After the enthusiastic response received from overseas Agudath Yisrael understood the need. Thus, every year, they continued to organize the transfer operation of products. This gesture has strengthened and given hope to Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Thus was established the Passover operation of Agudath Yisrael across the sea, which aims to bring the basic materials necessary to maintain the proper Passover to Jews in need around the world.
Over the years, as more and more Jews sought to keep kosher and Passover in particular, demand for products increases. Today Passover overseas operation of Agudath Yisrael continues to fill an important need. "This operation is a sacred task for Agudath Yisrael," says Rabbi Shlomo Gertzolin, vice president of Agudath Yisrael and the CFO of the organization. According to Campaign Chairman Avraham Schönberger, "there are many local organizations here in the United States that provide the holiday needs to the local poor, but the purpose of the Passover Operation of Agudath Yisrael across the sea is worrying about who looks forgotten. Our goal is to ensure that every Jew overseas anywhere will have the opportunity to celebrate the Passover properly."

Rabbi Gertzolin explains that the Passover operation of Agudath Yisrael changed the lives of many Jews. "Over the years, the quantity of products was increased to a cost of millions of dollars a year. We send matzohs, wine and other Passover products to over tens of thousands of Jews living in harsh conditions; even today, Russia and other countries behind the former Iron Curtain. Collapse of Communism opened thousands of Jews to the world, and rekindled their hearts for Judaism. "
Agudath Yisrael officials say that they are grateful to work with local enterprise in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries. "Together we can help Jews keep Passover," says Rabbi Gertzolin. "We feel a special responsibility to the Jewish community in Ukraine, headed by the Chief Rabbi Yaakov Bleich. Economy in Ukraine is collapsing virtually and political situation still requires additional security which is a heavy burden to many communities whom are also subject to financial difficulties. It is mandatory for every Jew who cares about Klal Yisrael to come to their aid".

Over the years, Jews all over the world without the means have struggled and struggled with all their might to make for a happy holiday and keep the Passover. Agudath Yisrael was with these Jews even when it was illegal to be a Jew in the Soviet Union, she was with them when the walls fell and the transfer was possible but still demanded effort by all parties, and it stays with them even now, when political upheaval adds another layer of challenge and difficulty in preparation for Passover. Dedication continues, as does the open hand of Agudath Yisrael, making the observance of Passover possible for thousands of Jews.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!