In the aftermath of the fall of communism in 1989, Jewish communities in Soviet satellite states such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, East Germany, and Bulgaria began to reclaim and revitalize Jewish life that had been suppressed under the regime.

After a 47-year absence of full-time Jewish schools in Lodz, Poland, Gan Matanel preschool has reopened with ten students, led by Miriam Szychowska with support from Shavei Israel.