On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack killed 22 humanitarian aid workers in Iraq, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating August 19 as World Humanitarian Day.
Each year, on World Humanitarian Day, we focus on the survival and well-being of people affected by crises, as well as the safety and security of aid workers. Sadly, after more than 2 ½ years, the people of Ukraine remain imperiled, with many families having fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their back. In cities and towns across the country, aid workers are providing food, clothing and other essential items. Our local leaders, staff, and volunteers sacrifice a great deal to ensure the well-being of their communities, caring for thousands of people, from the very young to the very old. This summer our camps provided wonderful opportunities for children and their parents to enjoy a bit of normalcy and relaxation, with a variety of recreational and educational activities. Over the past few weeks, we helped thousands of families prepare their kids to return to school with new backpacks and supplies, as well as certificates for new clothes and shoes. And work is already underway for the upcoming holidays when we will distribute packages to people all across the country, ensuring they are able to observe the traditions with food and ceremonial items.
We hope and pray that next year at this time the people of Ukraine will no longer be worried about air attacks and frequent power outages, but instead they will be rebuilding their lives, individually and as a community. Whatever the future holds, we will be there to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to the Jews of Ukraine.
