Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman met with Chief Rabbi (Ashkenazi) of Israel - Kalman Ber during the conference of European rabbis in Krakow

During the Conference of European Rabbis held in Krakow, an important meeting took place between Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman and the new Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Kalman Ber.
According to Moshe Asman, it was “a meeting with a man of great wisdom and boundless devotion to the Jewish people.” The leaders discussed spiritual responsibility, contemporary challenges, and the observance of Jewish laws in a complex modern world.
Moshe Asman shared about this meeting on May 28, 2025.
Discussion of Russian aggression and solidarity with the Jewish community of Ukraine
During the conversation, Moshe Asman spoke to his colleague about the tragic situation in Ukraine and the war initiated by Russia. He emphasized that the voice of Ukrainian Jewry should be heard not only in Europe but worldwide. It was agreed to meet again in Israel for a more detailed discussion of these pressing issues.
A special moment of the meeting was a joint prayer for peace and stability across the world. According to Asman, this once again demonstrated the unity of the Jewish people during challenging times.
Participation in the conference: support, unity, and new challenges
In addition to the personal meeting, the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine participated in discussions with leading spiritual leaders of Europe. The main focus was on supporting Jewish institutions, the importance of unity, and the role of spiritual leaders in modern times. Moshe Asman noted that such forums help not only to discuss urgent issues but also to demonstrate the resilience of the Jewish community in Ukraine.
Meeting with a student — a symbol of continuity
This conference was also memorable for Asman because of his personal meeting with a former student — Arie Reichman, who is now the Chief Rabbi of Kyrgyzstan. Asman recalled how Arie Reichman once studied with him as a child and is now himself spreading the light of Torah, strengthening Jewish heritage and traditions.
“For me as a rabbi, there is no greater joy than seeing how students continue the path of serving the Almighty with dignity and love for every soul,” noted Asman.

Memory and prayer: visit to Auschwitz

As part of the conference, participants visited Auschwitz — a place that carries the memory of millions of victims. According to Asman, it was “a moment of silence that speaks more than a thousand words.” The rabbis prayed for the souls of the deceased and stressed the importance of preserving the memory of these tragic events.
Light against darkness: Asman’s message
Moshe Asman emphasized that the opening of new Jewish centers is a response of light to the darkness that tries to dominate the world today. He underlined that such meetings of spiritual leaders help Jewish communities remain strong and united.
Main facts of the meeting
- Event: Conference of European Rabbis
- Date and place: Krakow, May 2025
- Participants: Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman, Chief Rabbi of Israel Kalman Ber, spiritual leaders of Europe
- Main topics: spiritual responsibility, unity, challenges of the war in Ukraine, support for Jewish communities
Conclusion
This meeting between Moshe Asman and Kalman Ber once again proved that Jewish communities in Ukraine, Israel, and around the world remain united despite all the challenges.
NAnews — Israel News will continue to report on such events that strengthen Jewish unity. https://nikk.agency/en/chief-rabbi-of-7/