Jews’ Role in the Life of Ukraine

On October 24, Ukraine’s President Leonid Kuchma met with Supreme Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine Jacob Dov Bleich to discuss the role Jews play in the sociopolitical life of the country. As Presidential Press Secretary Ihor Storozhuk told Interfax- Ukraine, they also touched on the issue of Russia’s ill-fated TU-154 passenger liner brought down while en route to Novosibirsk from Tel Aviv. Pres. Kuchma “reiterated his condolences to the next of kin of those who perished in the crash,” the press secretary said. They also discussed the progress of the antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan. In part, Ukraine’s participation in the antiterrorist coalition and the fight against terrorism in Israel was brought up for discussion. Rabbi Bleich informed Pres. Kuchma about his future participation in the World Jewish Congress to be held in the USA.