Dear Friends,
In the midst of the chaos and despair that often inundate our world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The sheer magnitude of need can leave us paralyzed, questioning if our efforts even matter. But amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope – a reminder that change begins with one person, one action at a time.
It’s a sentiment echoed time and again: while we may not be able to solve all the world’s problems, we can still make a difference, no matter how small our contributions may seem. Each act of kindness, each gesture of compassion, serves as a beacon of light in a world too often shrouded in darkness. So please read below about the on-going need in Ukraine and how your action’s make a difference.
The conflict instigated by Russia in Ukraine has not only unleashed the expected horrors of war but has also precipitated an acute humanitarian crisis, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable segments of society – the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
For Ukrainian Jewry, there’s an added layer to this tragedy – the war has made it extremely challenging for people to engage with Judaism and the Jewish Community.
That’s where ACTION-PSJ comes in to provide humanitarian aid , access to quality healthcare and connection to Jewish community through our various programs.
Understanding the unique needs of the population served, many of whom lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, Soviet antisemitism, and the systemic suppression of the Jewish identity by the Soviet Union, is important as they now live through additional trauma.
Lilia R.
“Mom, we’re being bombed.” The phone call from her daughter turned Lilia R’s. world upside down. Lilia was born in 1942 in Kropivnitsky (formerly known as Kirovograd). Being 82 years old, Lilia made the decision to stay. She fashioned a makeshift shelter in the corridors of her fourth-floor apartment as she was unable to make her way to the closest shelter.
Currently, she feels herself in bigger danger and is more scared of massive missile attacks than she was at the beginning of the war. It was particularly challenging for her during winter power outages, when she had to sit in a dark corridor alone, listening to the sound of air raids. Action-PSJ helped her acquire a power bank and a lamp.
“I am immensely grateful that during the war and all the horrors happening around us, you don’t forget about us, says Lilia.” “This is priceless. People call, ask what kind of help is needed, ask me about my health. Support makes a difference. I am moved that the help arrives from afar, from the U.S.! Going through such a tough time, I am grateful that the project supports me with gifts and money for medication.”
Gennady L.
Gennady L. was born with multiple disabilities and is currently under the care of his sister-in-law. While Gennady’s awareness is severely limited, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t affected by the war. Action-PSJ has helped Gennady through an intense energy crisis, making sure his home was warm enough.
Rita L.D.
Rita L.D. was born in Kropivnitskyn (formerly known as Kirovograd) in 1947. During World War II, when Germans approached Kirovograd, the city’s biggest plant was evacuated to the Caucasus. Rita’s mother and grandparents were forced to flee. On their way, however, Rita’s grandparents succumbed to Typhus, leaving Rita’s mother an orphan. After the evacuation, Rita’s mother returned to Kirovograd. Her house had already been taken by others, but the factory gave her a small apartment. Rita’s father also returned to Kirovograd. His first family – his wife, his son, and his mother – were shot by the Nazis.
Rita is a widow and has a son with special needs, but he lives separately. She lives alone in a modest fourth-floor apartment. Lately, she has been bedridden and is being cared for by a social worker.
This war is especially horrific for people like Rita. Bedridden, she is unable to take care of herself during air raids or shelling. She can only pray. She is dependent on her telephone, as she needs to be able to ask for help. During blackouts, her biggest fear is to be left without electricity and communication. ACTION-PSJ secured donations of much-needed medical supplies and power banks to help Rita ride the power outages out.
Thanks to your generosity, ACTION-PSJ steps in to support Lilia, Gennady Rita and others like them by securing essential supplies unique to each of their situations and needs.
As Russia’s invasion enters its third year, the conflict has sadly become the new normal for many in Ukraine. It’s imperative that we don’t forget about them. The initial rush of aid that flowed into Ukraine at the onset of the war has started to diminish. Inflation is on the rise, and the prolonged stress of the conflict is taking a toll on people’s health. As the war drags on, the need for assistance only grows. This is where we step in. The mission of ACTION-PSJ is absolutely vital, and the testimonials from our clients speak volumes about the impact of our work.
They need us, and we need you. Your philanthropic support fuels our efforts. The impact is evident and direct: from you, through ACTION-PSJ, directly to Ukraine, and to the isolated and vulnerable who are in desperate need.
Wishing you Shabbat Shalom,
Lilia
Gennady
Rita