A memorial plaque in honor of Andrey Sheptytsky, who saved hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust, was unveiled near the Central Synagogue in Kyiv

On July 29, 2025, in Kyiv, the Jewish and Ukrainian communities at the Brodsky Synagogue unveiled a memorial plaque to Andrey Sheptytsky — a man who saved hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust. The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, church leaders, and diplomats called this act not only a sign of respect for history, but also a signal of unity in today's days of war.
Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky is a servant of the Greek Catholic Church, who during the Second World War saved hundreds of Jewish children — risking everything, including his own life. He fought hatred and the cult of destroying Jews, even wrote letters to the Pope, deeply hated Nazism, and perfectly understood where this ideology could lead humanity.

When past and present collide at the doorstep of the synagogue

Near the Central Synagogue in Kyiv, a memorial plaque was unveiled in honor of Andrey Sheptytsky, who saved hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust
In Kyiv’s Central Synagogue on Shevchenko Boulevard, even in peaceful times, everything is saturated with history — the old walls remember more than one wave of trials. But in July 2025, the atmosphere here is quite special: in a city that is almost daily subjected to Russian missile and drone attacks, each meeting acquires new significance.
It was at this moment that the Jewish and Ukrainian communities gathered to unveil a memorial plaque in honor of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky — a symbol of human courage and compassion.
Gathered were those for whom memory is not an abstraction
At the ceremony were all those who truly shape public opinion and the cultural agenda: the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman, delegations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Catholic priests and rabbis from different cities, representatives of Protestant communities, as well as diplomats and employees of international organizations, scientists, and well-known public figures.
To this were added scholars, historians, prominent public figures, journalists, descendants of saved children, representatives of national minorities, students, and youth.
Many of those present shared that they came despite the risk: in Kyiv, in recent weeks, air raid sirens have sounded almost every day, and the streets sometimes empty in a matter of minutes. For them, this evening was a reminder that true solidarity is shown not only in words, but also in actions — even when one has to go under the threat of another attack.
The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine: “Memory of Sheptytsky is our shared conscience”
Special significance was given to the words of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman at the Central Synagogue of Ukraine, where a memorial event dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky took place. His address was both strict and very personal:
“This name is well known to many Jews and to those who value humanity and courage. Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, a servant of the Greek Catholic Church, during World War II, saved hundreds of Jewish children — risking everything, including his own life. He fought against hatred and the cult of destroying Jews, even wrote letters to the Pope.
He hated Nazism with all his heart and perfectly understood where such ideology could lead humanity.
At this event, we not only honored his memory with words and recollections, we also solemnly unveiled a memorial plaque on a chestnut tree planted in his honor near the synagogue.
At the event were representatives of various confessions, in particular, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, diplomats, scientists, and famous public figures. All those who are aware of the importance of Metropolitan Sheptytsky’s figure, especially in our dark times.”
Rabbi Asman thanked everyone who was not afraid to come:
“I am very grateful to all those present for this act of unity.”
The atmosphere of the ceremony: dialogue despite fear
It would seem that the ceremony should have been restrained, but on this day there was a real concentration of historical responsibility. Father Fredina spoke about the fact that Sheptytsky’s example is not just part of church or national history, but a reminder to everyone: the choice to save is always a personal choice.
Diplomats in their speeches emphasized that such acts of remembrance serve as the foundation for further strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Israel, Europe, and the Jewish diaspora worldwide.

Facts and details: what Sheptytsky did for the Jewish people

The story of Andrey Sheptytsky is not only the biography of a church leader, but above all thousands of human destinies. He, his brother Klymentiy, and more than 240 Ukrainian priests created shelters for Jewish children and families, took them out of ghettos, provided forged documents, and hid them in monasteries.
Only in August 1942 were more than 200 children saved — a fact confirmed by former Chief Rabbi of Lviv David Kahane.
After the liberation of Lviv from the Nazis, Sheptytsky handed these children over to the Jewish community, continuing to help them with food, clothing, and all necessities. This contribution is recognized not only in Ukraine, but also in Israel, where the descendants of those saved live.
The contemporary significance of the event: when memory becomes support
In the participants' speeches, the thought was voiced: the unveiling of a memorial plaque in a city suffering daily from Russian attacks is not just a ritual or tribute to the past. It is a signal to the world: Ukrainian and Jewish communities choose the path of solidarity, open dialogue, and joint resistance to hatred and violence. It is also important that in Kyiv, despite the threat of new strikes, people did not refuse to come and honor the memory of a person for whom saving others was always paramount.
The issue of international recognition
The question was raised that the name of Andrey Sheptytsky has not yet been included in the list of “Righteous Among the Nations” by Israel’s Yad Vashem, although his brother and many associates have received this status. For those present, this is not so much a matter of official awards as a matter of historical justice and the need for ongoing dialogue between societies.
We wrote — For more than 60 years, Jews have asked for the recognition of Ukrainian Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky as Righteous Among the Nations — story
Why this memory is important for the future
Commemorative dates and ceremonies are not only an occasion for official speeches, but also a living lesson for those who are now building bridges between Ukraine and Israel. The story of Sheptytsky shows: even in the darkest times, the choice of morality and humanity determines the future of nations.
On the website NAnews — News of Israel we regularly cover events that reveal deep ties between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, real stories of solidarity and heroism. And today, more than ever, these topics are relevant for everyone who cares about the fate of the world. https://nikk.agency/en/a-memorial-plaque/