New JCC Opens in Kharkov

There is a new Jewish Community Center in Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkov in North East Ukraine.

The former JCC building was unable to properly service the 40,000 Jews living in the area; spread across several floors connected by concrete stairs it was also not suitable for the elderly or those with special needs.

Today, the newly dedicated Wohl Center acts as a focal point for the Kharkov Jewish community. The center encompasses 3,700 square meters over three floors and offers exceptional facilities for welfare support, Jewish education and community life including a 250 seat auditorium, dance halls and space for communal festival celebrations, all designed to suit a range of activities specific for the community.

Project funders include the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Claims Conference, The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation, World Jewish Relief and their Vice-Chairman, Nigel Ross and his wife Lynne.