The Jewish Community of Dnipro extends its warmest words of gratitude and good wishes to its great and long-standing friend – the renowned Israeli diplomat, Advisor to the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, and Head of the “Natіv” Representation in Ukraine, Mark Dovev, who for many years led the Israeli Cultural Center in Dnipro and is now completing his six-year tenure and work in Ukraine.
Over these years, Mark Dovev has become for the Jewish Community of Dnipro not just a representative of the State of Israel and one of the leading Israeli diplomats in Ukraine, but a person with whom many important events, initiatives, and projects aimed at strengthening the bond between Ukrainian Jewry and the State of Israel are associated. His many years of work in Dnipro, and later his activities as Head of the “Natіv” Representation in Ukraine, were carried out in close cooperation with Jewish communities and organizations across the country and became a significant part of the development of relations between Israel and Jewish life in Ukraine.
As he concludes his tenure, Mark Dovev sent a lengthy farewell letter to the heads and leaders of Jewish communities and organizations in Ukraine, in which he summarized six years of his work, thanked those with whom he shared this journey, and shared very personal reflections on a time filled with extraordinarily difficult trials for both Ukraine and the State of Israel.
We are pleased to present the full text of his letter:
“Dear friends, colleagues, and partners!
After six years of serving as Head of the ‘Natіv’ Representation in Ukraine, my mission is coming to an end.
The Sages taught in Pirkei Avot: ‘It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.’ Six years ago, I took on this position with a profound sense of responsibility, but none of us could have foreseen the trials we would have to endure together.
These years have seen brutal wars – both in Ukraine and in Israel. We experienced days of anxiety, pain, and loss, when the familiar world was shattered. But it is in the darkest times that true light shines through. An ancient principle states: ‘All Jews are responsible for one another.’ Over these years, I have seen this wisdom come to life in your actions.
I have seen how Jewish communities and organizations in Ukraine worked tirelessly – saving people, supporting communities, helping with evacuations, and preserving human warmth under fire. And when war came to the land of Israel, we felt from you the same unbreakable connection, empathy, and support. Our shared resilience, courage, and ability to extend a helping hand across any borders are truly inspiring. Everything we have achieved and preserved during these incredibly difficult years is the result of our joint dedicated work.
We are living in a pivotal time, and each of us can rightly take pride in what has been accomplished.
No matter how hard the trials, we know: the Jewish people have overcome much and have always emerged stronger. In the Book of the prophet Amos it is written: ‘And I will bring back the captivity of My people Israel… and I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land.’ Israel was, is, and will remain a secure home, a pillar, and a uniting center for every Jew, wherever they may be. The thread connecting the Jewish communities of Ukraine to the Land of Israel is stronger than any war or distance.
I am completing my work as Head of the Representation, but I am not saying goodbye to you. The connections and friendships forged in the fire of these years remain with me forever. I take with me a deep respect for your strength of spirit and the warmest memories of our partnership.
Thank you for these six years – for your courage, your steady support, and your faithful friendship. May a strong and just peace come to the land of Ukraine and the land of Israel as soon as possible.
Until we meet again – in Ukraine, and, of course, in a rebuilt Jerusalem!
With deep respect and gratitude, Mark Dovev.”
The Jewish Community of Dnipro wishes Mark Dovev great success in his new chapter of life and work, new important challenges and achievements, well-being for him and his loved ones, and hopes that there will be many more meetings and joint projects ahead. In Dnipro, he will always be welcomed as a great friend who left a lasting mark on the life of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.
