January 27, 2024 is International Holocaust Remembrance day. It is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and was created as a day to remember the six million Jews and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Some of the most horrific events of the Holocaust occurred in Ukraine, including the murder of more than 30,000 Jews in September 1941 at Babi Yar.
We must never forget those who are suffering today, in Ukraine, in Israel, and in other parts of the world. Some of those suffering are Holocaust survivors who are being retraumatized, in the later stages of their lives.
We continue to assist thousands of people in Ukraine, including many Holocaust survivors like Olexandra and Asya, both of whom live alone in Chernihiv, Mr. Bodankin in Kyiv, Dora in Odessa, and Vladimir and Nonna who resettled in Kropivnitsky.
In addition to regular provisions of food and medicine, recently we gave out essential winter items including blankets, thermoses, heaters and more. This week we received truckloads of clothing and personal hygiene items that we will distribute to individuals throughout the country.
Our communities are more important today than ever before, to assist those in need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are here for the people of Ukraine; with your support we continue to save lives and restore hope.
