In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the date Auschwitz was liberated in 1945, we bring you stories of Ukrainian Jewish survivors.
90-year-old Olexandra lives alone in Chernihiv (pictured to the left). When the war started, the houses trembled from explosions and glass fell-- she couldn't believe that this was happening in her life again. Olexandra went to the pump with a small bottle, and stood in line with hundreds of people to get water. JRNU volunteers who were delivering medications and food to others, found the grandmother in the basement, where she and her neighbors were hiding from shelling. With tears in her eyes, the frightened woman spoke about the trauma from the second world war that was rekindled in the current crisis. JRNU now provides daily meals, medication and care for Olexandra.
Mr. Bodankin, 94, started his life in Kyiv to the sound of sirens during the Nazi raids; now, late in life he endures the same trauma. He took the time to pen a gracious thank you to volunteers at JRNU who provide medicine and support.
Vladimir and Nonna, born in 1936 and 1942, respectively, both endured the trauma of World War II. Their home and the home of their son and his family, in Kharkov, were both destroyed in the early days of the war Their son sent his wife and son abroad, but Vladimir and Nonna remained with their son who is disabled and can't work. The three of them were resettled in Kropivnitsky where we support them with medications and regular food supplies.
Asya, 78, was born during the Second World War, in hiding. Her family eventually settled in Chernihiv, where she lived her entire life, refusing to leave after the Russian invasion. A few months ago, as winter approached, Asya was without hot water due to damaged infrastructure in the city. JRNU purchased and installed a new hot water heater to ensure Asya didn't freeze in her home. She also is a regular recipient of food and medication.
