Ukrainian Oligarch Igor Kolomoisky Donates New Torah Scroll to Dnipro Jewish Community

In the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, often called the "capital of Ukrainian Jewry," a modest ceremony marked the completion of a new Torah scroll dedicated to "Igor son of Zoya." The donor is Igor Kolomoisky, a prominent Jewish-Ukrainian oligarch and philanthropist known for his influential role in Ukraine's politics and economy over recent decades. Kolomoisky, who previously served as governor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and supported volunteer battalions against pro-Russian separatists, is also recognized as a key political patron behind President Volodymyr Zelensky's rise.

The event took place at the Menorah Jewish Center in central Dnipro, led by Chabad emissary Rabbi Moshe Weber. Speakers included Dnipro's chief rabbi Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetsky, Rabbi Shaul Horowitz of Vinnytsia, and community leader Yitzhak Friedman. They emphasized the Torah scroll's significance for both the Vinnytsia and Dnipro Jewish communities, highlighting its role in strengthening Jewish unity and fulfilling the sacred mission of "repairing the world under God's sovereignty."

The scroll was written under the supervision of Ukraine's National Sofer Center, led by Rabbi Reuven Margolin, with many community members participating in writing letters. After its completion, the scroll was ceremoniously paraded through Dnipro's historic Jewish quarter to the central synagogue "Shoshanat HaZahav." It was then transported nearly 600 kilometers to Vinnytsia, where Rabbi Horowitz leads a community of thousands, including many war refugees. Rabbi Horowitz expressed deep gratitude to the Dnipro community and Rabbi Kaminetsky for their support, noting that previously Vinnytsia had only one Torah scroll, which posed challenges during holidays and special occasions.

A grand celebration with an orchestra and procession is planned for the 18th of Elul to honor the new Torah scroll. The donation symbolizes a vital bond between the Jewish communities of Vinnytsia and Dnipro, especially important during these challenging times.