Fellowship staff visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv several times this summer, with the most recent visit taking place a little more than two weeks ago. During these visits, staff met with our partners and beneficiaries as the country continues to face relentless bombings and strikes amid a war that has raged for more than four years. Homes, businesses, and even synagogues have been ravaged.
In fact, Fellowship staff were in Kyiv on May 24 when a massive missile-and-drone attack was launched on the capital. The Lukianivskyi Market, a long-standing food market that has served the local community for many years, was heavily damaged and nearly destroyed. The nearby Kvadrat shopping center and surrounding residential buildings were also hit. Fellowship staff heard the air-raid alarms and sought shelter in a protected area of a local metro station.
Despite the danger, Fellowship staff returned to Kyiv in July to help distribute food boxes. With the local market severely damaged and the continued threat of missiles and drones, the people of Kyiv face growing challenges in accessing food. Staff visited the Fellowship-supported Or Avner Perlyna school, which was damaged by direct strikes in May. The school, which also serves as an orphanage for Jewish children, is home to 124 children. Fortunately, no one was in the building when the missiles struck. Or Avner Perlyna is run by Chabad and supported by The Fellowship.
On July 21, Fellowship staff hosted a distribution event at Or Avner, where elderly people and families affected by the ongoing attacks received food boxes. The boxes were packed with essentials, including protein-rich foods such as eggs, fresh produce and vegetables, and shelf-stable goods such as rice and canned foods that can be easily prepared.
During their visit, Fellowship staff also went to the homes of elderly beneficiaries who are unable to leave their homes to receive aid—many of whom are Holocaust survivors. They, along with everyone who attended the food distribution event, expressed their deepest gratitude to our donors for continuing to remember and support them.
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).