Semyon Grafman Shares Journey From Soviet Anti-Semitism to Embracing Judaism in Israel

Semyon Grafman, who endured severe anti-Semitic bullying in Soviet school due to his Jewish identity, recounts his remarkable life journey in an interview on the Israeli program "The One Name" with Yossi Abdo. Born in Ukraine, Grafman faced violent attacks from age 10 simply for being labeled Jewish in his school diary. His mother decided to move the family to Israel amid rising anti-Semitism, bringing with them a hidden, ancient Torah scroll written in Russian and Hebrew, which remains with the family today.

Grafman describes how his sense of belonging deepened during his service in the Israel Defense Forces, where he served alongside diverse Jewish communities. Years later, in November 2021, while distant from religion, he had a vivid dream about tefillin, a Jewish ritual object he had never owned. This dream prompted him to learn how to wear tefillin, marking a turning point toward faith and personal transformation, including quitting alcohol and adopting a disciplined lifestyle.

He openly admits to living with shame over his past ignorance and anti-religious stance but now finds spiritual clarity and strength through Torah study and prayer. Grafman emphasizes the enduring power of the Torah, stating it has existed for 4,000 years and will continue long after current critics. He also highlights the role of challenges in life as divine tests to build strength and faith.

Reflecting on recent national tragedies, including the October 7 attacks, Grafman sees divine protection in the resilience of Israel and its people. He urges Israelis to focus on faith and unity rather than divisive noise, encouraging gradual spiritual growth and Torah learning. Grafman credits his mother’s Sabbath traditions as foundational to his journey and envisions a future of renewed connection among all segments of Israeli society.