This past year was extraordinarily difficult for the people of Ukraine. Family and friends were killed and injured; homes and businesses were destroyed. Despite the tragedies and hardships, adults went to work and children attended school. We provided critical assistance and support, attending to the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of tens of thousands of people, from the very young to the very old, including food, clothing, winter emergency kits, medical care and social services that kept people alive. Community holiday gatherings, youth groups, after school programs, and summer camps preserved a bit of normalcy in the midst of chaos; religious services and rituals provided stability for people whose lives felt out of control.
This winter we are honored to provide much needed firewood for heat, to people like Vladimir, from Ochakov, who bravely served his country. Sadly, Vladimir was wounded and returned to recover. Vladimir goes to work every day, notwithstanding the deadly air strikes. But his salary and military reserve status isn't enough cover food and heat for his family. Assistance from JRNU is essential for his family to get through the winter months.
We also help the Siletsky family from Mykolaiv, who struggle to keep their home warm for their daughter Sofia who had a kidney removed as an infant and can’t withstand the cold. The family can’t afford sufficient firewood along with other household expenses and Sofia’s medical care.
And Natasha, who spent the first three years of the crises helping others, facilitating direct medical care and access to needed medications, receives critical aid as well. Sadly, last year she fell ill from COVID-19, causing severe lung damage, making it difficult to get around and impossible to work. After more than a year in and out of hospitals, Natasha moved to a village where her health has improved a bit, but her pension is not sufficient to cover firewood for heat.
And finally, the Solovyov family, from Veselinovo, who are longtime members of the Mykolaiv Jewish community. Tragically, the mother recently abandoned her family, and cut off communication with the three sons, who are between the ages of 7 and 13. The local community helps the father as much as possible, and we provide firewood to heat their home.
We hope and pray that 2026 brings peace in Ukraine and around the world; that people will return to their homes and communities to rebuild their lives and restore their families. We are grateful to our donors who give generously to help people whose names they don't know and faces they will never see. Each and every donation has a significant impact on people very much in need. Thank you. Together we save lives and restore hope.
