While Moscow is blowing a cool breeze on the American response to Russia's demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis, in the Jewish community in the city of Mariupol near the border with eastern Ukraine, morale is high.
In the synagogue of the Jewish community in Mariupol hangs a picture of the Rebbe of Lubavitch, evidence of the extensive activities of Chabad in the community of more than 5,000 families.
The threats of war from Russia did not pass over the Jews of the region and a sense of distress hung in the air as the community prepared to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
"Israel Today" emissary in the synagogue in Mariupol,
"Many members of the community have approached us. Everyone is worried and stressed, but at the moment there is no wave of departure," says Alicia Rostovka, a spokeswoman for the Jewish community in Mariupol during a conversation in the synagogue.
"There were some who left for Kiev, under pressure from relatives abroad, and a few more families who left for Israel, but not at a greater rate than the usual number of people leaving for Israel during the corresponding period in previous years," she said. From the combat zones.
"There are many adults here without a family who have difficulty moving around, and children study here in Jewish settings, we do not intend to leave at this stage. If fighting breaks out, of course we will consider organized evacuation. Even now, we help anyone who wants to leave to do so," says Rostovka.
Members of the Jewish community tell of a good relationship with the other communities in the city, numbering more than half a million people.
However, about two years ago, a local armed with an ax attacked the security guard and the synagogue rabbi.
The man was found to be unsettled and the rabbi of the community decided to print a large sign advertising the location of the synagogue on Main Street.
"The idea was not to hide, to show that we are a proud part of the place," says the spokeswoman.
Dozens of Russian tanks near the Ukrainian border (archive)
The fighting in 2014 in the city led to the abandonment of most of the Jewish community, but since then the vast majority have returned to the area.
The fighting made special contact with the area's military volunteer force.
About a year after the fighting, volunteers from the battalion arrived at the city's destroyed synagogue building, which had been neglected and collapsed during Soviet rule, and cleaned the place in preparation for a comprehensive renovation.
"We did it for Ukrainian solidarity," says social activist Bogdan Chebak proudly, "We are waiting to see the building renovated, it will be a blessing for the whole city of Mariupol," he adds.
Russia: "No optimism"
Russia yesterday responded to the US response to Russia's demands regarding the crisis in eastern Ukraine, claiming that "President Putin will read the documents and make a decision, but at this stage it is difficult to say that our needs and demands have been taken into account," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Alongside this the Kremlin have confirmed that Russia will resume direct talks with Ukraine soon.
Along with diplomatic efforts, military preparations on the Ukrainian border continue to intensify.
Sky News reported that London would send hundreds of troops to bases in Eastern Europe.
US media have revealed the extent of Russian military deployment in Belarus, which Moscow claims was intended for an exercise with the Belarusian army, but in practice appears to be a threat to Ukraine in opening a second front close to the capital Kiev.
Ukrainian fighters, Photo: Reuters
Russian President Putin, Photo: AFP
A source in Ukraine's intelligence services told Israel Today that intelligence findings show that Russia has begun operating squads aimed at carrying out provocations and defeating security in the country.
According to the source, at least one such cell is under surveillance in the east of the country.
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