World Humanitarian Day was created in 2009 to recognize people who provide humanitarian aid to others and people who have died working for humanitarian causes.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” reflects the approach of our efforts to support the Jews of Ukraine. We empower local leaders to work with residents to figure out what they need most, and we give them the resources to meet these needs. We provide support and demonstrate solidarity with the Jews of Ukraine, on behalf of people from around the world; we show them they are not alone and not forgotten. Our local leaders and staff bring together members of the community for events and celebrations; they engage children in after school activities, summer camps, and youth groups; they visit the elderly and bring them hot meals; and they provide care for the disabled.
We are so grateful to the compassionate individuals who give of themselves tirelessly, each and every day. Many of them endure traumatic and challenging situations on a daily basis as their families and homes are imperiled. And yet they continue to show up for the people we serve.
We appreciate the thousands of generous people around the world who donate money to make our work possible; without them people would go hungry, and they would be without adequate shelter, clothing, and medical care.
We hope and pray for an end to the crisis so our collective efforts can be directed towards helping people rebuild their lives rather than ensuring their daily survival. In the meantime, with your help, we will continue to provide critical aid to thousands of individuals who have no one else to turn to and nowhere to go.
We tip our hats to everyone who makes possible the work we do in Ukraine, along with the millions of other people who do similar work in all corners of the earth. Together we save lives and restore hope.
