The Jews of Ukraine

As war devastates Eastern Europe, the Jews of Ukraine - who have played pivotal roles in modern Jewish culture and Ukrainian political life - face an uncertain future. "Ukrainians voted for a mixture of Benny Hill and Boris Johnson, and they somehow wound up with Churchill." -Vladislav Davidzon This issue of The Jewish Quarterly explores the rich, tumultuous history of the Jews of Ukraine, who have played a pivotal role in modern Jewish life. Ukraine has been the site of some of the darkest moments in Jewish history, from brutal pogroms to Babi Yar, yet its Jews were central to the foundation of the Hasidic and Zionist movements and to the advancement of Hebrew and Yiddish literature, as well as to the evolution of modern-day Ukraine. In a fascinating essay, Vladislav Davidzon, who has been observing and writing about Ukrainian Jewish life for more than a decade, traces the turbulent history and uncertain future of this community as their country once again fights for its survival. The issue also includes an essay by David Herman reflecting on the first seventy years of The Jewish Quarterly, a feature by Tali Lavi on the Yiddish renaissance unfolding in Australia's most cosmopolitan city, an account by Rabbi Harvey Belovski of a life-changing event that shaped the philosophy of Maimonides, and book reviews by Devorah Baum and Jakub Nowakowski.