In this exclusive interview, the ALLATRA team speaks with Moshe Reuven Azman, the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine and the head of the All-Ukrainian Congress of Jewish Religious Communities. This is a sincere and profound conversation with a spiritual leader who, during these incredibly difficult times for the country, has been working tirelessly to support the people of Ukraine and calling on the international community not to become accustomed to the war.
Since the full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, Moshe Azman has emerged as a symbol of moral courage, faith, and humanitarian leadership. Refusing to leave Kyiv during its darkest and most dangerous hours, he transformed the Brodsky Choral Synagogue into a central humanitarian hub. From there, he coordinated the evacuation of thousands of people and oversaw the delivery of food, medicine, clothing, generators, water purification systems, and other critical supplies to those in need.
He is an active voice for Ukraine on the international stage, meeting with policymakers and opinion leaders to advocate for continued international support and aid. His contributions have been recognized at the highest level: on June 27, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored Moshe Azman with the Order of Merit, 2nd Class.
In this interview, Rabbi Azman shares his vision of why Ukrainian Week in Washington is so vital to international support for Ukraine. He underscores the importance of speaking the truth: Russia’s war against Ukrainian civilians is ongoing, and the world must not become desensitized to the daily loss of life, human suffering, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Rabbi Azman draws special attention to the humanitarian fallout of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure, particularly during the brutal winter months. He speaks of those left without electricity, heat, or water — the elderly, families with children, and those physically unable to cope with the aftermath of blackouts and Russian shelling. He underscores that these systemic attacks pose a direct and ongoing threat to civilian lives.
A significant focus is placed on the plight of children, the most vulnerable members of society. Rabbi Azman speaks about the moral responsibility of the international community to protect childhood even under the harshest conditions of war, emphasizing that safeguarding children is not a political issue but a fundamental humanitarian duty.
In the interview, he also highlights specific aid initiatives, such as mobile support centers operating in affected areas. At these centers, people can find warmth, charge their devices, and receive hot drinks, basic assistance, and emotional support. Rabbi Azman emphasizes that true spirituality is inseparable from action, and that responsibility for one’s neighbor begins with concrete steps — especially when people nearby need immediate help.
In closing, he issues a call to action to the international community, the Ukrainian diaspora, and everyone who cares: do not lose focus on Ukraine. He urges continued support through humanitarian initiatives, raising awareness, and practical aid. This is about meeting real needs in the here and now — generators, medical supplies, heating, communication, and life-saving resources.
The interview was recorded by the ALLATRA team in Washington, D.C.
Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.