The Jewish Community Center “Halom” (hereinafter – Halom Center) began its work eight years ago. Over this time, a number of significant historical events have taken place, inevitably impacting the organization’s activities. Jewish Observer spoke with Savva Shapiro, who became director of the Center in June of last year, to learn more.
− Please tell us about yourself. What led you to become the head of the Halom Center?
— I’m originally from Kharkiv, born in 1991—the same year Ukraine gained independence. I was raised in a Jewish environment: Jewish kindergarten, Jewish school. Later, I attended an academic gymnasium, a vocational construction college, and finally, the National University of Construction and Architecture, where I studied to become a design engineer specializing in water supply and sewage systems.
But Jewish life has always remained a part of me. I took part in a leadership program called Lechet within one of the Jewish organizations, after which I began leading Jewish groups and organizing events. Later, I completed the Taglit madrich (group leader) training course and led several 10-day educational trips to Israel.
When the war started, I paused my engineering career—but continued to be involved in Jewish life. A key turning point was participating in a JDC project called “Superhero Camp,” a camp-seminar for internally displaced persons. It was during this event that I learned the Kyiv-based Jewish Community Center Halom was looking for a director. After a series of interviews and consultations, I packed my bags and moved to Kyiv within two weeks. I initially joined Halom as a program coordinator, and in June 2023, I was appointed director.
− Did you have any fears or doubts about taking on the role?
— Honestly, I see everything that has happened recently as a personal challenge. Moving wasn’t easy, but once I realized that I was needed, I made the decision: I’m going.
− How has the situation in recent years affected the Center’s work?
— I’m proud to say that during these challenging times, Halom has never stopped its work—not for a single day. Of course, some of our participants and team members evacuated from Kyiv, while others remained. For several months, our team was spread across different parts of Ukraine, but we continued organizing events and celebrating holidays. Passover, Lag BaOmer, and Shavuot in 2022 were all conducted online. Our accounting, administration, and program staff kept working, and we were able to provide targeted support to clients in need—delivering food packages and medications through Nova Poshta. We stayed in touch with approximately 3,000 people throughout this time.
Since 2016, our Family Service has implemented various social support programs. We assist families who are internally displaced and meet our donors’ criteria for potential repatriation to Israel.
These families can apply for housing support, financial aid, or even emergency programs such as surgeries or essential medications. Many families lack basic household appliances, and we do our best to help. Today, our Family Service supports around 180 families.
In the case of air alerts, we temporarily suspend our activities and operate in two phases: first, we move everyone to the ground floor—our designated “safe zone”—and then proceed to the nearest shelter, which is the Lybidska metro station, just a five-minute walk from the Center.
− What is the mission of Halom in Kyiv’s Jewish community?
— Halom Center unites Kyiv’s Jewish community by providing a safe, welcoming space to explore Jewish culture, traditions, and mutual support. In short, our mission is to combine Jewish tradition, joy, and education. We strive to become a second home for every Jewish family. Our diverse program offerings reflect our commitment to being modern and inclusive. We often say: “Three generations under one roof.” Everyone can find something for themselves—educational, social, and cultural Jewish programs for all age groups that help preserve Jewish identity and strengthen communal ties.
Currently, our top three priorities are visibility, partnerships, and fundraising. These are interconnected: when people know us and collaborate with us, it becomes easier to secure funding and expand our projects. With more people and more ideas come greater funding needs.
A great example of partnership was the joint Hanukkah celebration in 2023 with Hillel Kyiv and the Jewish Agency (Sokhnut)—the first such collaboration in five years. In spring 2024, we expanded this cooperation by hosting a joint Passover Seder at the Nativ premises, led by Chief Military Rabbi of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, David Milman. In June, with support from the Israeli Embassy, Nativ, Sokhnut, and Hillel, we celebrated Israel’s Independence Day at a secure underground venue, gathering 500 participants, with Pianoboy as the headliner. We also held memorial events for Holocaust Remembrance Day and the October 7 war anniversary in Israel. Both holidays and days of mourning bring us together.
− What programs and events does Halom offer for different age groups?
— We offer a wide range of programs for all age groups: kindergartens, clubs, camps, and teen programs, as well as events for seniors. For youth, we provide educational and creative workshops. Families can enjoy Jewish holiday celebrations. Seniors participate in cultural and social activities, lectures, and even psychological trainings for volunteers and the wider community.
− How do Halom’s children’s clubs promote Jewish education and identity?
— Our clubs Kohavim (ages 3–7) and Yahad (ages 8–12) introduce children to Jewish traditions through interactive lessons, games, creative projects, cooking, Judaica studies, and Jewish holiday celebrations. This helps children feel part of the Jewish community, develop an interest in their heritage, and preserve their Jewish identity. Each club also receives psychological support from our partners at Or Shalom.
− Tell us more about Halom’s Family Service. What support is offered to families with children under 18?
— The Family Service helps children from at-risk families—those who are single-parent, large, low-income, raising children with special needs, or facing difficult life circumstances. We provide various forms of assistance: financial aid, social support, psychological counseling, access to educational and cultural programs at Halom, and help integrating into Kyiv’s Jewish community.
− How do you organize events for seniors, and what makes the “Golden Age” program special?
— The Golden Age program promotes active and fulfilling lifestyles for older adults. We host lectures, art meetings, excursions, concerts, holiday events, and support groups. We’re especially proud of our Halom dance troupe and see how important creative expression is for our seniors. We gladly support their initiatives.
What makes the program unique is the space it creates for communication, experience sharing, and mutual support.
− How does celebrating Jewish holidays at Halom strengthen Jewish identity?
— Jewish holidays at Halom provide participants with a sense of belonging to the Jewish community and a deeper understanding of traditions and rituals. Through communal celebrations, interactive activities, and educational components, participants strengthen their Jewish identity and grow spiritually.
− What distinguishes Halom from other Jewish organizations in Kyiv?
— Halom is unique for its inclusivity and the opportunity it offers people of all ages to grow and connect. We provide not only educational and cultural programs, but also strong support through social projects and volunteer initiatives. It’s a place where the community comes together in a warm and open atmosphere.
− How do you introduce new ideas—both from within the Center and from the community?
— We try to anticipate new ideas in advance—either in terms of quantity or quality—and plan projects accordingly. Some ideas are demand-driven, others depend on feasibility.
As for community-initiated ideas, we welcome and support them in every way possible. For example, our Rubik’s Cube Club was inspired by one of our teenage participants. Another volunteer-led initiative gave rise to our open chess club “Crystal Queen,” which we now run jointly with Hesed.
− What upcoming events and projects can we expect from Halom?
— We’re thrilled to have celebrated the fall holidays and are now preparing for Hanukkah. It’s a special holiday that reminds us of the light we all need in difficult times.
Our regular programs are running smoothly—Shabbat and holiday celebrations, the chess club, auto-quests, and volunteer trainings. We’re also planning art workshops, family gatherings, and educational programs for children and teens.
Looking ahead, it’s hard to make long-term predictions. Our current goal is to restore the level of engagement we had before COVID. The ban on mass gatherings during the pandemic significantly affected community participation. Now, we’re working to revive that energy. Yes, sometimes we hear air raid sirens, and rockets or drones are in the sky—but we’ve learned to keep going despite the circumstances.
Interview by Yosef Turovsky
