After more than 3 years of martial law and daily crises, we are more determined than ever to make Shavuot a joyful holiday for the Jews of Ukraine. Locally produced ice cream, yogurt, cheese and other dairy treats were delivered to tens of thousands of families all across Ukraine, bringing smiles to children’s faces and warming the hearts of their families.
The planning for this massive project took weeks, with detailed plans and complex logistics to overcome the many obstacles posed by the ongoing conflict. Over the course of several days, refrigerator trucks criss-crossed the country, making stops in cities, towns, villages, and even remote and isolated communities.
This year’s lineup of dairy treats includes vanilla and strawberry ice creams, apricot and berry yogurts, flavorful hard cheeses, fresh mozzarella cheese, and premium cream cheese. The trucks are filled with cases of individual ice cream cups that will be distributed to children during Shavuot and also at summer camps starting next month.
Rabbi Yehoshua Vishedski, a senior rabbi in Ukraine, noted that over the years, they faced many challenges producing dairy products in Ukraine. The current crisis led to a wave of emigration, including many Jews, which initially halted production. They were able to resume operationis last year and gradually add additional offerings, with many special items added just in time for Shavuot.
We are grateful to the many leaders, staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make Shavuot in Ukraine a special time, once again. And without our generous donors none of it would be possible. Together we save lives and restore hope.
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