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After another treacherous weekend that left residents in Odessa without power, heat, and water, and more than a million people across Ukraine impacted by power outages of one kind or another, Hanukkah arrived for the Jews of Ukraine.
For the fourth year in a row, our leaders, staff, and volunteers worked night and day to bring joy and light to Jews across Ukraine. Large billboards lit up in major cities with beautiful holiday messages, along with public menorah lightings in 34 different cities. Aid packages were distributed to tens of thousands of families, that included food, blankets, heating kits, and medicine. And holiday gift boxes were provided as well, filled with a decorative menorah, candles for all eight nights, and informational pamphlets about the holiday; for the kids there is Hanukkah gelt and a book titled “Eight Bright Nights,” translated into Ukrainian for the first time.
With shelling and prolonged blackouts, the Jewish communities are continuing to suffer. An increasing number of families report financial distress, shortages of basic necessities, and growing concerns over their family’s well-being, especially the children. Hanukkah takes on special meaning against the backdrop of these tragic circumstances.
It is our honor and privilege to help and support the Jews of Ukraine. We are grateful to all of our donors who make our work possible. Together we save lives and restore hope.
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