As Tzivos Hashem enters its tenth year of operation in the former Soviet Union, now known as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), we look back on how much we have accomplished. We also look at the tremendous challenges that lie ahead.

Answering the Rebbe’s Call to Action

The birth of Tzivos Hashem in the CIS was inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who felt deeply and spoke passionately about the plight of Jews living in communist controlled lands and foresaw the great spiritual needs of Soviet Jews in the post-glasnost era.

As always, the Rebbe matched words with action and encouraged Tzivos Hashem, which he founded in 1980, to expand its horizons to meet the needs of our Soviet Jewish brethren. All who saw the worldwide Chanukah celebration in 1989, when simultaneous menorah lightings on six continents were broadcast live via satellite, watched the Rebbe beam with undiluted pleasure when Moscovite children lit the menorah. That first light was only the beginning, in the years that have followed, the impact of the Rebbe’s call to action has been nothing short of remarkable.

After the Iron Curtain… A Different World

Once the Iron Curtain fell mass Jewish emigration began. By now the Jews who knew enough about Judaism to hunger for it have long since left the former Soviet Union for brighter futures in Israel and America. The Jews who still remain are either too troubled, too poor, or too far from Judaism to seek emigration.

Jewish Children in the CIS… A Perilous Existence

Too many Jewish children in the CIS are being raised in hardship. They have alcoholic parents. Parents who succumb to drug use, which often goes hand in hand with prostitution, and neglect or abandon the babies they once loved. Parents who hit instead of hug. Or single parents who die and leave their children alone in the world.

Tzivos Hashem… A Successful Solution

The good news is that Tzivos Hashem is there for these children, saving lives one at a time. Through our orphanages, medical centers, food pantries, youth clubs, camps, and holiday workshops, Tzivos Hashem has emerged as one of the main Jewish organizations working to rebuild lives in the former Soviet Union. Our humanitarian and religious programs are being duplicated in communities across the CIS.

Growing Communities… An Emerging Need

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, community leaders throughout the CIS have worked tirelessly to reawaken Jewish souls. Their success has lead to unprecedented demands on Tzivos Hashem’s educational resources. The next ten years are very exciting for us as we innovate, create, and implement programs to nurture these growing communities.

As you read through this brochure you will see the scope of our programming. Tzivos Hashem has managed to save the lives of hundreds of children in the past decade. Every program is made possible through your help and support. Your continued efforts will help the tens of thousands of Jewish children in the CIS.