The Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities (Vaad) of Ukraine was created on January 14, 1991, and registered by the Justice Ministry of Ukraine. Vaad incorporates 265 organizations from 94 cities of Ukraine, including 63 religious communities, 56 city communities, 17 educational structures, 55 cultural organizations, 10 associations of ghetto and concentration camp prisoners, 13 Jewish newspapers, 15 structures of social protection, 19 youth organizations, and 5 associated member organizations.

The Association is a participant in the interstate Jewish Confederation - the Vaad of CIS, the European Council of Jewish Communities, the European and the World Jewish Congresses.

Objective and Tasks

The objective of the Association is creation and building up of structures, whose activities are aimed at the ethnic revival and strengthening of ties between the Jewish organizations.

The main tasks of the Association are:

• organizational, financial and professional activities aimed at creation of a system of social protection for the Jewish communities of Ukraine;
• assistance in protection of honor and ethnic dignity of Jews in Ukraine, resistance to anti-Semitism;
• broadening and strengthening of ties between Jewish public organizations and religious organizations, Jewish public organizations of Israel and other countries, whose activities are not in conflict with the aims and tasks of the Association;
• cultural and enlightening activities (organization of institutions of learning of various levels, lectures, seminars, scientific conferences on Jewish language, history, culture and traditions);
• assistance in the revival of religious Jewish communities and restitution of their religious facilities (synagogues, yeshivas, schools, auxiliary premises);
• organization of practical support and public control over emigration to Israel;
• support and development of contacts, including exchange of delegations and groups with public, cultural, political, religious, sports and other organizations of Israel;
• coordination and information functions as well as representative functions of Association members at the state and international levels.