Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Jewish
History and Religion
Is Zelensky Jewish?

Is Zelensky Jewish?

Last updated on: May 16, 2023 at 10:38 pm by Rebecca Wallace Keene

0 Comments

Is Zelensky Jewish? 2023-05-16T22:38:21-04:00 Rebecca Wallace Keene

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Zelensky Jewish Created with AI BY Rebecca Keene

Is Zelensky Jewish

When Volodymr Zelensky was elected President of Ukraine, his religious beliefs came into question. Many wanted to know if President Zelensky is Jewish. If he is Jewish, how would this affect governing of a country that had once supported Nazis?

Zelensky is Jewish

Zelensky had Jewish great-grandparents who lived during the Holocaust. His grandfather died in the war, but his grandmother was able to escape. Speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu, he said that his great-grandfather and all his brothers were shot by the Germans who invaded Ukraine.

Thus, there can be no denying Zelensky’s Jewish heritage. However, he does admit that he grew up in a somewhat non-religious home.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky Faces Jewish Opposition

There was much opposition when it was revealed that President Zelensky is Jewish. Surprisingly, much of the opposition did not come from Nazi supporters but from other Jews. Many Jews had difficulty understanding how a Jew could wish to lead a country that had assisted in the near genocide of their people.

Jewish Heads of State Outside of Israel

Still, Zelensky’s presidency has proven beneficial to the Jewish people. Since Ukraine also has a Jewish Prime Minister, Denys Shymhal, Zelensky’s election made Ukraine the only country outside of Israel with Jewish Heads of State. With Ukraine’s President Zelensky, Jewish people suddenly have more political power worldwide. Ukraine has been working to become accepted by Nato and was welcomed into the EU in June of 2022. With such alliances, Judaism will be given more acknowledgment and legitimacy in the rest of the world.

Zelensky Shows Jewish Leadership

This victory has, however, been tainted by war as both Israel and Ukraine find themselves in the midst of battle. However, Zelensky has held to his Jewish heritage and led his country in a way that should make most Jews proud. He did not attack first but vigorously defended his land and people. It has long been a Jewish tradition to engage in defensive war. Rarely does Israel go on the offensive. However, the Jewish people have always believed in defending their own when attacked. Zelensky has used every weapon in his arsenal to protect his land. Some may argue that he has recently threatened to invade and capture Russian cities, but I would point out that this comes after Russia invaded his country over a year ago. Overall, Zelensky has ruled in a way that any King of Israel would commend.

Ukraine and Israel’s Similarities

During the time of Esther, attackers threatened the Jews and they asked permission to defend themselves. Due to this, our people survived. Zelensky has given his people the right to do the same by arming civilians and allowing gorilla-type warfare. Might we not consider that Zelensky has come to his “royal” position for such a time as this?

During WWII we saw Jews fight back in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Though Jews knew that defeat was likely they fought till the end. We have seen this same spirit from the people of Ukraine and from their fearless leader, Zelensky. Though the superpower of Russia and its massive armies marched into their country, they did not give up. Rather, they took to the streets with Molotov cocktails, car bombs, and drones. Did they expect to win? No, but they continued to fight in a very Jewish fashion.

In the concentration camps even when it seemed all hope was lost Jews resisted. They set fires and killed guards. Today, Israel continues to return fire on Gaza. Jews are not a people to go quietly and that seems to be something Zelensky has brought with him into his presidency. Ukraine is not going quietly.

Zelensky’s Jewish Policies

We may unfortunately not get an answer to the question of how Zelensky would govern a country previously associated with Nazis. This is because he hasn’t had a chance to govern outside of wartime. Zelensky ran on a rather vague campaign. He wanted to empower the citizens frustrated by the previous president’s policies. In an ideal world, this would have looked like bringing peace, economic improvement, and decreasing corruption in the government. However, Zelensky was handed a world about to be set ablaze. In February of 2022, Russia invaded. This meant that the focus had to shift to security. So, we can’t say if his non-wartime policies would have included more tolerance and inclusion.

What We Do Know

What we do know of his policies is that he has focused heavily on international relations with the West. This is in line with Israeli policy. Israel has strong alliances with countries like the US and Britain. These strong alliances have allowed Israel to grow and become a strong player on the world stage in only 75 years. Zelensky seems determined to lead Ukraine on a similar path.

He armed his citizens and fought to get foreign aid. This shows the Jewish spirit of perseverance and determination to survive. Israel believes in self-defense and Zelensky has made it clear that he does also.

Finally, he has begun planning for reconstruction and looking toward the future of his country. Despite the fact that the war is not yet won, he is planning for major events inside Ukraine in the near future. This definitely shows the Jewish spirit. No matter what we always rise again. Israel and her people never stay down for long.

So, though we do not know what Zelensky’s policies would look like outside of wartime, from what we do know of his policies I think it is safe to say that he rules with Jewish ethics.

Zelensky is Jewish

Zelensky is Jewish. Not only is he Jewish, but despite opposition from his own people he has used his presidency to bring honor to the Jewish people. Let us honor him and his country in their battle for peace, as we are called to love all Jews. Solidarity!

See The Law As Blessing for more on what it means to be Jewish.

Sources:

How Jewish is Volodymyr Zelensky?

JEWISH UPRISINGS IN GHETTOS AND CAMPS, 1941–44

The Three Ages of Zelensky’s Presidency

General Christian

Politics and Religion

About Rebecca Keene

The author, Rebecca Keene, has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religion. She graduated from the University of Pikeville as Religion Honor Student in 2014. Currently, she is studying for a MA in Women, Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Also, Rebecca is the author of FAITH UNDER THE RAINBOW: RECLAIMING THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE. In addition, she founded and independently runs the social media community, Reclaiming the Truth. Therefore, you should visit Rebecca's author page and purchase her books at: Amazon Author Page or: Publication Page Rebecca is currently in her 3rd year of Kabbalah study. She is ordained to perform LGBT weddings and is certified in Hypnotherapy. Rebecca lives in Kentucky with her two adult children. She practices Non-Denominational Judaism. She is passionate about social justice and fiercely advocates for the marginalized in society and religion. When not with her children or writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature, with G-d, or in a good book. She also enjoys making and selling art which you can find at Art by Rebecca. Author, Rebecca Keene, is always happy to hear from readers. You may contact her through the Reclaiming the Truth page on Facebook, or you can email [email protected] Rebecca will try to answer all correspondence, but please be patient, as life is busy for us all. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

May 14, 2023

What Was the Original Meaning of Mother's Day?

Next Post

May 21, 2023 Are Modern Marriage Vows in the Bible?

Which city did the believers first call themselves "Christians"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Antioch Rome Corinth Jerusalem