Meet Project Kesher Ukraine’s Tetiana Hetsilevych

Tetiana Hetsilevych, Program Director of Project Kesher Ukraine, is a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and community empowerment. Raised in a secular Jewish family, her childhood was infused with the flavors and traditions of Jewish life, from her mother’s unforgettable Lykeh (Jewish honey cake) to the joy of receiving Hanukkah Gelt. These early experiences nurtured her love for Jewish heritage and sparked a lifelong dedication to acts of kindness and gift-giving.

With roots in the Kyiv region and Kremenchuk, Tetiana’s family history reflects the resilience and legacy of Ukraine’s Jewish community. Her grandfather, who baked matzah during Soviet times in Podil’s only operating synagogue, remains a symbol of her family’s perseverance. Inspired by her heritage, she initially dreamed of moving to Israel, captivated by the stories of Ukrainian immigrants shaping the country’s future. As time went on, she realized that her calling lay within her own community, ultimately bringing her to Project Kesher Ukraine 

As Program Director, Tetiana unites geographical and cultural centers to revitalize Jewish heritage in Ukraine and beyond, blending her expertise in community development with the wisdom of Jewish tradition. With a background in youth initiatives and corporate training—where her sessions were in high demand—she has channeled her expertise into community development and philanthropy. 

Guided by her values and an unwavering commitment to fostering mutual support, Tetiana’s work embodies the spirit of connection, resilience and hope for the future.