Eric Fingerhut, CEO the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) led a delegation of JFNA leaders on a visit to Ukraine, to hear firsthand the challenges Jews continue to face.
In Kyiv, the delegation visited Chabad’s Simcha Center, as well as projects sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Joint Distribution Committee, and Ort. David Heller, chair of the JFNA’s national campaign said, “we are committed to working together to help the Jews in Ukraine.”
At the Simcha Center, the delegation was greeted by children from the summer camp, and proceeded to tour the school where they saw the generators that were installed with support from the Jewish Federations. The visitors heard from several local leaders including Rabbi Motti and Rebbetzin Devorah Levenhartz, and Rabbi Pinchas and Rebbetzin Dina Vishetzksy who have relocated their communities to Kyiv from the Donetsk region.
The group was welcomed by JRNU CEO Rabbi Shlomi Peles and JRNU Senior Advisor Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie of JRNU, who thanked JFNA for their ongoing support of our lifesaving work in Ukraine. The delegation also visited the Babi Yar Memorial and met with local government leaders, the Israeli ambassador and members of the US diplomatic corps.
Rabbi Eliezrie noted, “coming to Ukraine at this time is far from easy, it entails a long train ride from Poland. The fact that this group of distinguished leaders made the trek during wartime is a testimony to their commitment to the welfare of the Jews of Ukraine during this difficult time.” Eric Fingerhut stated at a local celebration sponsored by the Jewish Agency, “we were with the Jews of Ukraine before the war, and during the war, and we will be with you after the war.”
It was an honor to be a part of this important mission and we look forward to continued collaboration with JFNA. Together we save lives and restore hope.
