"Shalom, Orthodox Christians!": The State Service for Ethnopolitics Congratulated Ukraine's Jewish Community on Rosh Hashanah

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) issued an official statement to the country’s Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year. The agency emphasized “the community’s contribution to the life of the state amid the ongoing military conflict.”

In their congratulatory message, officials noted that Ukraine is marking this holiday amid a large-scale war for the fifth consecutive year. Representatives of the State Jewish Affairs Service expressed their deep gratitude to the Jewish community of Ukraine for their resilience, active participation in the life of the country, and the assistance they provide to the nation’s defenders. The agency emphasized the importance of preserving Jewish identity while simultaneously strengthening national unity.

The official message conveyed wishes for peace and tranquility: “May the new year bring more of what every person needs most today: peace instead of anxiety, reunions instead of separations, and homecomings instead of exhausting waiting.” Earlier, DESS Head Viktor Yelensky also noted that the revival of religious and cultural life in Jewish communities in Ukraine is an important and significant process for modern society.

As a reminder, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) had previously officially congratulated Ukrainian Muslims on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, highlighting their unshakable faith and resilience in the face of military trials. The agency expressed its deep hope for the earliest possible return of peace, when prayers will be able to resound freely in every mosque across the country.

At the same time, the DESS decided not to extend greetings to Orthodox Christians, who make up the majority of Ukraine’s population, on the start of Great Lent, which began this year on February 22.