Today is International Day of Charity, established by the United Nations in 2012, to sensitize and mobilize people and organizations around the world to to help alleviate humanitarian crises and human suffering. The date of September 5th was chosen in memory of Nobel Prize winner Mother Teresa of Calcutta who died on this day in 1979; she epitomized the definition of charity, devoting her life to helping people overcome poverty and distress.
Charity can alleviate many tragic effects of crises, by providing food, medicine, health care, education, housing and more. Charity can also assist the advancement of culture and religion. Finally, charity spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.
Over the past 2 ½ years, thousands of generous individuals made charitable contributions to support our work in Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid to thousands of people and helping sustain the Jewish communities. From the food parcels, clothes, and household goods we distribute in community centers; to medications and medical care we arrange for sick children and the elderly; to the soup kitchens we operate; to the prescription eyeglasses we issue; to the housing we arrange; to the orphanages, schools and camps we support; and to the industrial generators we installed--everything was made possible through donations. Recently we helped families prepare for the new school year with gift certificates for school supplies, new clothes and shoes. The expressions of thanks flooded in, from mothers and fathers overcome with emotion and gratitude (see Video below). Just last night the children of Zhitomir spent hours huddled in fear, as missiles and rockets rained down on the city. When they arrived at school in the morning, they were directed to bomb shelters where classes were held using light and power provided by one of our generators.
We hope and pray that next year at this time the current crisis in Ukraine will be over, and we will be busy helping the people of Ukraine rebuild their lives and communities. We are grateful for the continued support we receive to help alleviate the suffering and sustain the people. Together we save lives and restore hope.
