What is the positive impact of interfaith collaboration in times of war?

An inquiry into the positive impact of diversity of beliefs in Ukraine

by Sarra Riahi

Photo screenshot taken from Instagram / vemo.org.ua

While religion is often instrumentalised to justify violence and exclusion, it can also be a great tool to build resilience and solidarity during a conflict. In fact, in times of war, communities of faith can establish dialogue to best support those affected by conflicts. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, interfaith collaboration has been vital to supporting internally displaced people. Vinnytsia, a city in West-central Ukraine that suffered attacks, such as the destruction of its international airport, welcomed internally displaced people from more vulnerable towns.

To understand how diversity of beliefs and creeds helps Ukrainians in times of war, GTTO interviewed Yuliia Kashpruk, Intercultural Cities (ICC) Ukraine local coordinator in Vinnytsia and Ivan Mazur, Representative of the WEMO Vinnytsia Messianic Jewish Congregation (also known as VJMC). ICC is a Council of Europe programme which supports cities in the development of policies that centre diversity as a strength. Through an intercultural approach, ICC endorses the development of inclusive societies.

GTTO: In March 2022, the first IDPs (internally displaced people) began to arrive in Vinnytsia and needed timely help. As the local coordinator in Vinnytsia, how would you assess the role of minority groups in offering support to internally displaced people?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): In the first days of war, Vinnytsia accepted many IDPs from the eastern part. Mostly, they stayed here to have their first humanitarian aid for basic needs. I was suggested to assist the World Food Programme in starting UN financial aid to these people. The UN team included Portuguese, Georgians, Americans, and Ukrainians. We all joined our efforts working even on weekends. I saw many IDPs from different cities and towns, of different nationalities, with various stories and united by suffering. Soon, minority groups, such as Polish (with the help of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin of the Catholic Church), Jewish (all 3 Jewish minorities), and Roma, were among the first ones to help IDPs. 

GTTO: As the ICC local coordinator in Vinnytsia, how could you support those communities in their efforts to help IDPs?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): I wrote the request to different organisations, including the international ones asking for help for IDPs. As a result, the main German development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (known as GIZ) supported this initiative within the framework of the Intercultural Strategy of Vinnytsia City Territorial Community. The Intercultural strategy is one of the projects of Integrated Urban Development Project – II that is financed by the Governments of Germany and the Swiss Federation. With this financial support, we have led 30 activities for IDPs, including psychological therapy, art activities, training and workshops for psychologists. I have started a collaboration with the International Charitable organisation Roma Women Fund Chiricli, which financially supports activities for Roma children and events for the Vinnytsia intercultural community. I have also initiated the creation of a Welcome Guide for IDPs. Together, we have developed it with representatives of local minorities and IDPs. It is widely used by IDPs who are newcomers to the city.

GTTO: The first minority group to help was the Jewish community, through an organisation called WEMO.

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): WEMO has been helping the military since the beginning of the invasion, both soldiers of the Vinnytsia region and other military units and hospitals. Last September, they formed a chaplaincy unit. Some WEMO chaplains visit the military in hospitals, supporting them spiritually, psychologically, and financially. Some of the chaplains go to military units, in particular to war zones, and bring both humanitarian aid, spiritual and psychological help. We saw that soldiers are in great need of spiritual and psychological support and assistance, especially those who are on the territory of active hostilities.

GTTO: Do you know which communities joined to help further? Are there other religious institutions among them?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): Yes, it is primarily the Kyiv Jewish Messianic Community (an umbrella community); there are also church associations with which they cooperate and pass on help. The Polish Caritas organisation continues to make every effort to help people who were forced to leave their homes with the most necessary things.

GTTO: How would you rate the influence of religious communities on supporting IDPs?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): Local religious communities, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Catholic Caritas and Jewish ones, have greatly supported where civilians and military people needed this help. Psychological therapy, social activities for the injured, humanitarian aid, and activities for children and teenagers to support them in shelters and lessen the fear of missile attacks, especially after the July 2022 events in Vinnytsia, where many people died. As my colleague Ivan Mazur from WEMO said, “We feel we are really united with other religious communities and national minorities. We have united to help. We had data of church contacts, both in Vinnytsia and in western cities, who provided information about available shelters for IDPs. We hosted many families in Vinnytsia using our own contacts, as well as with the help of churches that are friendly with us. However, many families also travelled further, and we helped them with references to stay further in western cities (Chernivtsi, Lviv, Uzhhorod, etc.) and even more - abroad. Many of our friends from different European countries (organisations, communities, churches, as well as just friends) offered us accommodation and help in their countries, and it is because of this solidarity. We were able to help many people who contacted us to be settled abroad.”

GTTO: The city of Vinnytsia has suffered attacks targeting civilian buildings, including a medical centre, offices, stores and residential buildings. How do civilians cope with such traumatic attacks? What do local faith and policy leaders do to offer the help and support needed?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): Vinnytsia City Council has supported everyone who became victims of these horrible events. Many people who survived still have health problems. We made the request to the Embassies in Kyiv to support us in rebuilding the private houses and help with the rehabilitation of people. The Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine and the Embassy of the German Federal Republic in Ukraine supported with building restoration and the equipment to be ready for the winter season. So-called “Waerme Inseln” appeared in Vinnytsia, where everyone can come to have their mobile charged, eat and have a hot drink, and stay when the electricity cuts or blackouts are.

GTTO: How can the international community support the Work of ICC Ukraine in Vinnytsia?

Yuliia Kashpruk (ICC): Intercultural city of Norway (Stavanger) has donated to lead activities for IDPs. As a result, we conducted two workshops and two training sessions for those who want to start their small business or new startups. ICC has also supported the local coordinator, allowing them to participate in the international workshop and learn a new experience. In times of peace, interfaith dialogue can foster the development of a culture of pluralism and inclusion. In times of war, interfaith collaboration can foster solidarity and unite people whilst building resilience in the face of tragedy.