We wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful new year, even as tragedy strikes close to home. On New Year's Eve we learned that one of the casualties from the attacks on December 29th was a young man from the Jewish community in Kharkiv, named Artyom Reznik. May his memory be a blessing for his family and all who knew him (see story in the Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-780238).
We are grateful for the incredible support we received in 2023, and we look forward to continuing to help 50,000 men, women and children in 2024. In the aftermath of one of the worst days since the crisis began, the needs of the communities are greater than ever.
Last year at this time we kept people warm in their homes, schools and community centers with 150 industrial generators and winter survival kits including blankets, portable heaters, and warm clothing. In the Spring, we brought Passover to Ukraine like never before, with 142 communal Seders and more than 17,360 holiday kits delivered. We distributed thousands of treat boxes for Purim and special food parcels for Shavuot. More than 2,000 children attended our day and overnight camps, with outdoor activities, social events, and much needed mental health support. In the Fall, we reopened more than 35 schools, and a few weeks later, we shared more than 20,000 gift packages for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Record numbers of people crowded hotels, synagogues and community centers for holiday services-- the need for community support has never been stronger. And, after the tragic events of October 7th, thousands of Jews in Ukraine gathered for prayer vigils and other displays of solidarity. The miracle of Hanukkah was celebrated with parades, parties, holiday boxes to each household, and our industrial generators are once again warming communal buildings.
We hope and pray for an end to the crisis and look forward to helping the people of Ukraine rebuild their lives and communities. Wishing you all the best for an outstanding 2024!
