Any meeting with a Righteous is always very touching, and when there are about 30 Righteous in one room – it is something extraordinary. We do not get tired of saying that we are happy because we have the possibility to communicate with them in person, we have the opportunity to hear their memories immediately from them, we have the chance to thank them, and even more we can and should make their lives a bit more comfortable … It is a tiny drop that may help us to thank these amazing people in some way. Today we have gathered in the premises of the Kyiv History Museum to greet the Righteous with the Victory over fascism in Europe and the coming Holy Trinity. Food packages presented to them caused tears of joy and endless words of gratitude. Righteous were welcomed by representatives of KCSA – Head of the Department of Culture Diana Popova and Head of National Minorities and Religious Communities Olga Vlasenko, Chairman of ACF “To You”(2U) Julia Goldenberg, Board President of the Ukrainian Union of Jewish Students Victoria Godik, CEO of Kiev City Jewish Community Anatoly Shenhayt, representatives of the Jewish Council of Ukraine . Memories, gratitude, tears and warm smiles dominated the event.
How one could make a Jew happy for Passover? It goes without saying that in the same way as it was in the end of the 3rd century BC. It is Mattzah. ACF 2U and UUJS do care about Belaya Tserkov Jewish community, and in particular about those who are in need. Impoverished elderly and many-children families were provided with Matzah for Passover Seder straight on the eve of the Holiday.
We were honored to congratulate our dear Righteous Gentiles, Righteous of Ukraine, and Righteous of Babi Yar with Easter! In the frames of cooperation with the Kiev City State Administration and due to our wonderful volunteers, these outstanding people who risked their lives and their families during the Second World War, were provided with food sets for the Easter table. Low bow to you, Righteous! We do hope to have opportunities to greet you on occasion of Easter for many years! Health, peace, and harmony to you and your families!!!
The merry festival of Purim is over, but the month of Adar, the month of joy, continues.
ACF “To You” (2U) and UUJS (Ukrainian Union of Jewish Students) united again, but for the first time on Purim, to bring this lovely holiday to homes of lonely and impoverish people / families in Kiev and Kiev oblast’, Cherkasy, Khmelnytsky, Ternopil, Chernihiv …
We are delighted that with the help of our wonderful volunteers and like-minded people, we were able to contribute to the increase of joy and to fulfill the commandments of Purim.
Our “Mishloach manot” were sent different regions of Ukraine that gave the possibility to lonely and poor people to say the blessings given to us on Purim and have the traditional Haman’s ears on their table. But most importantly, they were not alone. They felt the unity of our people. Gifts to the needy and mishloakh Manot to friends is not just a wonderful tradition. This is a symbol of correction of the past error – correction of disunity and selfishness, which led, in fact, to the rise of Aman.
We have fulfilled with joy hearts and homes of those who sharply need care and friendly company. Our initiative Mitzvah4Purim would not be possible without our partners. Our gratitude goes to: – ICF “Live Love Laugh Global – Ukraine”; – Charitable Organization “ZHYVE DZHERELO” Regeneration Fund; – Belaya Tserkov Jewish Community “Mittzvah”; – Khmelnitskiy, Cherkassy, and Chernigov Jewish Community; – Ukrainian-Israeli Institute for strategic studies named after Golda Meir; – Religious Community of Traditional Judaism “Masoret”; And of course our words of appreciation go to our wonderful volunteers from different cities of Ukraine, Israel, Spain, and France; to all those who were not ignorant and created this miracle together with us.
“Thanks a million for taking me back to myy childhood memories when my mum baked “umentashes”, which fragrance was spreading throughout the apartment. When we asked for another patty, my mother gladly gave it to us, saying that this was our duty to “comment” these days,” Zinaid says.
“What would have we done without your support and visits? Life is quite complicated nowadays, our pensions are minor, tomorrow seems to be frightening, but the visits of your wonderful volunteers and foodstuff they deliver give us hope that we are not forgotten and abandoned. You do bring us joy and supportЭб Valentina says.
Jewish proverb says: “A little bit of light is enough to dispel great darkness” Hanukkah is the festival of victory of light over darkness. The celebration of hope’s greatness in times of despair. Every year UUJS and ACF 2U we strive to bring light and hope into the homes and hearts. Chanukah 5777 (2016) has not become an exception. For the 5th year in a row, our magic charitable action Hope4Hanukkah in Ukraine gives us the opportunity to bring light, warmth and care to those who desperately need it! Special attention should be given to the lonely elderly, who have no family, who are thirsty for communication, love, care to overcome their daily despair and depression. This is year for the first time we had the possibility to loght Chanukah candles not only in Kiev but in Kiev Oblast’ and in Western Ukraine for more than 300 people.
All 8 days of Chanukah our outstanding volunteers lighted Chanukah candles in the homes of impoverished lonely elderly who need attention, company, care, light… and family… It goes without saying that our volunteers were bringing gifts – Chanukah sets, detergents, means of personal hygiene, foodstuff, sweats, warm blankets…
“Thank you for remembering us. Your wonderful young people brought not just candles, they brought light. I am sure you understand what I mean. My wife and I did not want them to leave. I’d like to thank you for your gifts and your warm hearts,” said Grigoriy S while calling us. Our initiative Hope4Hanukkah would not be possible without our partners. Our gratitude goes to:
ICF “Live Love Laugh Global – Ukraine”
Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine;
Belaya Tserkov Jewish Community “Mittzvah”;
Khmelnitskiy Religious Jewish Community;
Jewish Agency “Sokhnut-Ukraine” and camp “Winter Art Midrasha”;
Ukrainian-Israeli Institute for strategic studies named after Golda Meir;
Religious Community of Traditional Judaism “Masoret”;
Research Center for Jewish History and Culture at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy National University and the publishing house “Spirit and Character”.
And of course our words of appreciation to our wonderful volunteers – to 162 people, whose age varies from schoolchildren to retired age people and to all those from different cities of Ukraine, from the USA, Switzerland, Israel, South Korea who were not ignorant and who created this miracle together with us. Let hope and light settle in each and every home for the whole year. And exactly in a year we will light Chanukah candles all together. We do hope that our project will be spreading all over the country. Let’s make Hanukkah miracle together! We invite everyone to join!
On October 6, 2016 in the Column Hall of the Kiev Mayor’s office held a traditional annual honoring of Righteous Gentiles, Righteous Gentiles of Ukraine and of Babi Yar – Mayor’s reception took place. The tribute was paid to the people who rescued Jews during the Second World War. The event was organized by Kiev City State Administration, ACF “To You” (2U), the Jewish Council of Ukraine (JCU) and Kyiv City Jewish community. The ceremony was attended by representatives of authorities, foreign embassies, local and international Jewish organizations. This year Holocaust Survivors joined Righteous Gentiles and attended this event. Among guests there were Kiev City Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, German Ambassador Dr. Ernst Reichel, Ambassador of Lithuania Marius Janukonis, Israeli Consular Gennadiy Polishchouk, Chief Rabbis of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman and Alex Dukhovny, Vice-President of the Jewish Council of Ukraine Simon Belman, ACF 2U Board Chair Julia Goldenberg, businessman and philanthropist Alexander Loifenfeld, Kiev City Jewish Community Executive Director Anatoliy Shengait, representatives of the local and international NGOs.
Vitali Klitschko assured the audience that Holocaust and Babi Yar Museum will be constructed in Kiev. The mayor emphasized that the tragedy that happened 75 years ago in Babi Yar, should not be forgotten, as well as the Righteous, who saved human lives. Candles in the memory of those who perished were lighted by all guests. Head of Association of the Righteous Gentiles Sofia Yarovaya warmly thanked all those who provide assistance to the Righteous, whose number is decreasing year by year. She especially thanked Kiev Hesed and ACF 2U for their ongoing support.
Classical music and warm wishes to Righteous accompanied the event.
ACF “To You” expresses its gratitude to all those who made this event possible: – Kiev City State Administration (KCSA); – The Jewish Council of Ukraine; – Kiev City Jewish community; – The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC); – Hesed “Bnei Azriel”; – Alexander Loifenfeld; -Albert Feldman; – and all those who came to express their respect and gratitude to the holy people – Righteous.
It is for the 4th year already when Ukrainian Union of Jewish Student (UUJS) and All-Ukrainian Charitable Fund “To You” (ACF 2U) perform a charitable campaign “Hope4Hannukah”, which helps us to light Hannukias at homes of impoverished community members who would have the possibility to taste the spirit of this wonderful Holiday and would receive so needed winter items as gifts. In the frames of this campaign a charitable Hannukah evening takes place for Kiev Jewish Community members. This year has not become an exception and PinchukAtCenter hosted some 60 people to light the 2nd Hannukah candle on December 7, 2015 with his Excellency Mr. Eliav Belotsercovsky – Ambassador of the state of Israel to Ukraine and Mr. Gennady Polishchouk, NATIV Head.
This evening was a unique interactive presentation “The Magical Power of our inner light – Give. Expand” performed by Itzik Amiel (the author of the bestselling Networking book: “The Attention Switch”, an International Professional speaker and considered as one of the leading authorities on Networking and Relations Capital globally. He is also the founder of The Power Networking Academy™ and EyeRon™ Group). The subject of this evening presentation was networking and creating relationship cross border – cross cultures through Jewish Tradition. Kosher vine and traditional donuts accompanied by lovely live music performed by Felix Shuster made this event really special. All funds collected at this evening were spent on support of impoverished lonely elderly community members who do need our help and attention. Hannukah is going on and we are waiting for our friends and guests in a year. We can’t change the whole world by one home visit but we can change or light somebody’s life, which is much more important. And this is a real magic.
Righteous Gentiles Commemoration at Kiev Mayor’s House 08.10.2015
On October, 2015 in the Column Hall of the Kiev Mayor’s office held a traditional annual honoring of Righteous Gentiles, Righteous Gentiles of Ukraine and of Babi Yar took place. The tribute was paid to the people who rescued Jews and prisoners of war from destruction during the Second World War. The event was organized by ACF “To You” (2U), the Jewish Council of Ukraine and Kyiv City Jewish community.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of authorities, foreign embassies, local and international Jewish organizations. This year Holocaust Survivors joined Righteous Gentiles and attended this event. Among guests there were Kiev City Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, The US Ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Ambassador of Lithuania Marius Janukonis, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Wolfgang Bindseil, Israeli Consular Gennadiy Polishchouk, Chief Rabbis of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman and Alex Dukhovny, President of the Jewish Council of Ukraine Alexander Suslenskiy, ACF 2U Board Chair Julia Goldenberg, businessman and philanthropist Alexander Loifenfeld, Kiev City Jewish Community Executive Director Anatoliy Shengait, representatives of the local and international NGOs.
All speakers said about the heroism of the Righteous Gentiles and bitterly pointed out that in Kiev still there is no Holocaust Museum or the Righteous Alley. Vitali Klitschko assured the audience that Holocaust Museum and the Righteous Alley will be constructed in Kiev. The mayor emphasized that the tragedy that happened in Babi Yar, should not be forgotten, as well as the Righteous, who saved human lives.
Head of Association of the Righteous Gentiles Sofia Yarovaya warmly thanked all those who provide assistance to the Righteous, whose number getting decreasing year by year.
Classical music and warm wishes to Righteous and Survivors accompanied the event.
ACF “To You” expresses its gratitude to all those who mad this event possible: – Kiev City State Administration (KCSA); – The Jewish Council of Ukraine; – Kiev City Jewish community; – The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC); – Hesed “Bnei Azriel”; – Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI); – Alexander Loifenfeld; – and all those who came to express their respect and gratitude to the holy men – Righteous.
On November 5, 2014 in the Column Hall of the Kiev Mayor’s office held a traditional annual honoring of Righteous Gentiles, Righteous Gentiles of Ukraine and of Babi Yar took place. The tribute was paid to the people who rescued Jews and prisoners of war from destruction during the Second World War. The event was organized by ACF “To You” (2U), the Jewish Council of Ukraine and Kyiv City Jewish community. The ceremony was attended by representatives of authorities, foreign embassies, local and international Jewish organizations. Among guests there were Kiev City Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine Dr. Christof Weil, Deputy of the Israeli Ambassador Itzhak Kagan, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman, acting President of the Jewish Council of Ukraine Semen Belman, ACF 2U Board Chair Julia Goldenberg, Kiev City Jewish Community Executive Director Anatoliy Shengait, representatives of the local and international NGOs.
Vitali Klitschko has pointed out that Jews were severely persecuted by the Nazis during the war and many were killed, but there were people who were hiding under threat of death, and these people did their best to save Jews. Kiev Mayor emphasized that tragedy that occurred in Babi Yar should not be forgotten, as well as the righteous gentiles, who saved human lives. He said that currently there are about two thousand of the righteous gentiles all over the world and 300 of them live in Ukraine and in Kiev – more than fifty.
Head of Association of the Righteous Gentiles Sofia Yarovaya warmly thanked all those who provide assistance to the righteous, who are now old and weak and do need support and attention. She and one of the rescued Dr. Boris Zabarko, drew attention of the Mayor and all present that is still there is no Babi Yar museum and Holocaust memorial in Kiev.
Head of Association of the Righteous Gentiles Sofia Yarovaya warmly thanked all those who provide assistance to the righteous, who are now old and weak and do need support and attention. She and one of the rescued Dr. Boris Zabarko, drew attention of the Mayor and all present that is still there is no Babi Yar museum and Holocaust memorial in Kiev.
Deputy of the Israeli Ambassador Itzhak Kagan stressed that the State of Israel is always ready to welcome Righteous Gentiles.
ACF 2U Head Julia Goldenberg noted that the theme of righteous gentiles is very personal for her, as her grandmother had been saved by such person, that righteous gentiles are the pride of Ukraine, but unfortunately general population is not fully aware about their heroic deeds. She stressed that righteous gentiles’ deeds shall enter into the school curriculum.
Acting President of the Jewish Council of Ukraine Semen Belman assured the righteous, that the Jewish Council will continue to support them. He expressed regret that not all the righteous gentiles have lived to see the day when there are recognized by socity.
In the address Righteous Gentiles were addressed with numerous wishes of good health and long life. Saying goodbye, all the righteous were hoping that they will be alive to see each other next year.
