Action-PSJ - A story of Hope & Resilience
Amidst the ever-evolving challenges, Action-PSJ steadfastly supports vulnerable Jews in Ukraine, preserving their Jewish identity and dynamically adapting to changing circumstances to impact thousands of lives profoundly.
Debbie Kardon
Executive Director
Debbie Kardon is the Executive Director of Action-PSJ. She holds degrees from Syracuse University and Hebrew Union College in Social Work and Jewish Education. Debbie’s journey in the Jewish community began during her college years when she started teaching part-time at a local congregation.
Following her graduation, Debbie dedicated many years of her career to working with homeless and at-risk teenagers. Throughout this time, she maintained a part-time involvement in the Jewish community, showing her commitment to both causes. After a period focusing on raising her three children, Debbie returned to the workforce, taking on leadership roles within Jewish non-profit organizations.
Debbie’s reputation as a change agent and organizational leader is well-established. She has been instrumental in establishing innovative programs, securing funding, and leading the design and implementation of these initiatives. Her passion for Israel, yoga, teaching about the Holocaust, and spending quality time with her now-adult children are integral aspects of her life.
Professional Staff
Ella Goncharova | Элла Гончарова
Program Director
Ella, a lifelong Dnipro resident and graduate of Dnepropetrovsk State University, is a devoted mother of two and a proud grandmother of four. For over 35 years, she has been a pillar of cultural and Jewish life in Dnipro, actively participating in various community initiatives, including the All-Ukrainian Women’s Jewish Organization Project Kesher. Ella’s leadership roles encompassed directing the Sunday Jewish School at the Israeli Cultural Center and managing the Business Club, Young Leaders, and Talmud Torah Project. Her ongoing commitment extends to her current leadership of Project Kesher’s Mom to Mom program, emphasizing the power of generations and economic literacy.
ella@actionpsj.org
Dive into the Essence of Action-PSJ
Step into the core of Action-PSJ, where our coordinators, deeply embedded in their communities, bring forth tales of dedication and hope. Their personal connections, born from shared experiences, amplify the depth of our initiatives. Through their eyes, discover the unique essence and spirit of each of our 15 vibrant communities
Lubny
Size of Community: 10
Coordinator: Ludmila Meerovskaya
Email: Lubny@actionpsj.org
Poltava
Size of Community: 13
Coordinator: Tatyana Khalimon
Email: Poltava@actionpsj.org
Cherkasy
Size of Community: 10
Coordinator: Valentina Taibishlak
Email: Cherkasy@actionpsj.org
Smela
Size of Community: 14
Coordinator: Arkady Zolotonogov
Email: Smela@actionpsj.org
Uman
Size of Community: 16
Coordinator: Inna Shvets
Email: Uman@actionpsj.org
Kamenskoe
Size of Community: 20
Coordinator: Anna Salik
Email: Kamenskoe@actionpsj.org
Melitopol
Size of Community: 37
Coordinator: Inna Kutishcheva
Email: Melitopol@actionpsj.org
Novomoskovsk
Size of Community: 20
Coordinator: Alena Shekhovtsova
Email: Novomoskovsk@actionpsj.org
Mariupol
Size of Community: 21
Coordinator: Alisa Rostovtseva
Email: Mariupol@actionpsj.org
Berdyansk
Size of Community: 29
Coordinator: Alexander Drozdov
Email: Berdyansk@actionpsj.org
Kropyvnytskyi
Size of Community: 9
Coordinator: Tatiana Kolomiets
Email: Kropyvnytskyi@actionpsj.org
Zvenigorodka
Size of Community: 10
Coordinator: Leonid Braslavsky
Email: Zvenigorodka@actionpsj.org
Zhovty Vody
Size of Community: 9
Coordinator: Lyudmila Shapoval
Email: Zhovty.Vody@actionpsj.org
Krivoy Rog
Size of Community: 14
Coordinator: Lyudmila Furman
Email: Krivoy.Rog@actionpsj.org
Pavlograd
Size of Community: 22
Coordinator: Irina Voiko
Email: Pavlograd@actionpsj.org
Board Officers
Barbara Karchmer
President, Executive Committee
Carol Clingan
Vice President, Executive Committee
Sergey Broude
Treasurer, Executive Committee
Tatyana Goldwyn
Clerk, Executive Committee, Nominating Committee
Board Members
Barbara Anatolev
Director, Nominating Committee
Robert Gordon, Founder Emeritus
Director, Investment Committee, Development Committee
Zale Anis
Director
Melinda Harrison
Director, Investment Committee
Asya Bashina
Director
Boris Katz
Director, Nominating Committee
Mila Bronstein
Director, Development Committee
Ery Magasanik
Director, Development Committee
Evgenia Doktor
Director
Dewey Yoo
Director
Doris Gordon
Director
Judy Patkin
Executive Director Emerita