Sasha’s Journey: An Update

In December of 2022 we shared Sasha’s story of her journey from the Ukraine to Delaware. You can read that by clicking here. We recently received an update from Sasha and wanted to share with you what she’s up to now.

Dear friends,

Last year, I and my daughter had the privilege to visit and speak at your beautiful synagogue. I was blessed to meet you all, beautiful people who have shine only love and warmth. Thank you so much for giving us such a beautiful experience.

Last year, we made the decision to come back to Ukraine because we felt we had to be closer to our families and to support our country in the most dire of times. This decision was not an easy one but it was the right one.

Since we returned back, I was sharing with my Jewish Ukrainian friends about the amazing experience that I had at your synagogue. I must admit that some of them did not believe me when they heard me telling them I was permitted to speak to an entire congregation! They explained that it was huge honor to do that!

From my end, I am very grateful to all of your for sharing your love and compassion and for supporting Ukraine.

I also wanted to thank JFS Delaware for their support and for their desire and dedication to welcome newcomers. I indeed was a stranger, but they made me feel as part of their family, a big Jewish family!

I will never forget the kindness that was shown to me and my daughter. You have inspired me to continue doing good things and, as Vlad explained to me, the principle of Tikkun Olam of repairing the world, which is broken, I realized that I can do more that I ever thought.

I started a new charitable initiative with my dental company. I reached out to our dental suppliers, and they agreed to provide free materials as long as we are treating our soldiers for free. Every day I am seeing young men whose faces were crippled and are being transformed thanks to our joint effort. Often times, these soldiers cry like babies because they never imagined that their faces could be restored.

Kindly note, that I am very serious when I say to people that this work would not have taken place if I had not witnessed the love and care that the Jewish community has shown to my family. You are an example that I want to follow.

Shabbat Shalom from Ukraine!

Through intensive, culturally sensitive case management services, our Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) program helps refugees and other immigrants integrate and make a home in their new communities, obtain and retain employment, and establish and maintain healthy lifestyles to achieve self-sufficiency.

All this amazing work happens because of your generous spirit. Please visit jfsdelaware.org/donate to make a gift today.