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She’s known by her nickname Goldie, but her passport shows the name Aletha Gold when she joins Israel’s SmartAID team on its missions anywhere in the world where humanitarian help is needed.

J-Wire asked Sydney-based Aletha Gold for a glimpse into her life as SmartAID’s Global Goodwill Ambassador and Chairperson of SmartAID Australia. She has just returned from Ukraine.

She told us: “When I received the call from the Founder and head of SmartAid to go to Ukraine, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. My thoughts were consumed by the urgent need to help the people in Ukraine. Their story is one of injustice, and this senseless war should never have happened.

Getting to Ukraine is no small feat.

Our team flew from Israel into Warsaw, and I came from Australia and embarked on a five-hour drive to the border. The Israeli volunteers were very excited to get to Ukraine.

Then, it’s a journey by foot across the border, a 10-15 minute walk between the Polish and Ukrainian borders. Witnessing elderly individuals, pregnant women, mothers carrying their bags, and small children in the intense heat was deeply moving. We also encountered a delegation of over 100 Hasidic Jews arriving in Ukraine to reunite with their families for Rosh Hashanah, and some to visit the revered Rabbi.

I have been working alongside SmartAID Israeli volunteers since the war in Ukraine began. It’s unbelievable how much we have accomplished together, even though we are so far away from each other. Im also very grateful to the Australians for volunteering locally and donating to Ukraine.

Every time our Ukrainian partners see all of us Australians and Israelis, they hug us and say how wonderful it is that the Jewish people are so committed to helping them. I feel proud hearing this, and it always warms my heart to know that we are here on behalf of the Jewish community of Australia and Israel to help them.

Our first destination was Lviv, a charming city where life continued despite the curfew, with people strolling the streets reminiscent of Tel Aviv. SmartAID has made significant contributions to the local maternity hospital, specializing in tech-related aid. We installed solar generators for the operating theatres, ensuring surgeries could proceed uninterrupted. We also provided doctors with battery-powered headlamps, reducing their reliance on intermittent electricity. Most critically, we delivered portable baby incubators, which are essential for transferring infants to safety during sirens and power outages. These incubators stay warm for 2-4 hours, and we brought an additional 20 to the hospital. The head pediatrician was moved to tears, expressing her profound gratitude to SmartAID.

Our journey continued to a home for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Recently, a home for young men with mental health challenges in Eastern Ukraine was hit by a missile. The young residents were left to fend for themselves, wandering the streets in confusion and fear. Shachar Zahavi, the Founder of SmartAID, acted swiftly, organizing search parties to find and assist the lost and traumatized boys. Witnessing their trauma and confusion was heart-wrenching. We helped transport them to a safer location in Lviv, but the home was bare. We assisted in establishing a kitchen, installing Wi-Fi, and setting up solar generators. Women have also joined the shelter, and as winter approaches, we are raising funds to provide heaters and more.

Our third stop was a local school where SmartAID established one of 200 SmartClasses. The school’s headmistress showcased the impact of this initiative and introduced us to a courageous young student who sang for us. She shared her family’s story of fleeing after a missile struck their town and home. Her bravery in singing for us moved me to tears.

Next, we visited a new local cemetery where 400 young people had been laid to rest. President Zelensky had visited the day before to pay his respects. Rows of graves with photos were a poignant reminder of the youth lost. Once again, tears flowed as I contemplated that this was just one town’s reality.

Our last stop for the day was a school shelter. SmartAID had set up SmartClasses inside these shelters, providing computers not only for the children but also for psychologists who offer psychosocial support to children and mothers navigating trauma.

The next morning brought news of the earthquake in Morocco. Shachar and I sprang into action, with a team already en route and logistics planning in full swing. Medearth in Sydney generously donated medical equipment, and CuddleBuddles contributed essential baby supplies. Solar-powered lights were dispatched, and DHL ensured swift door-to-door delivery. Our team on the ground in the Atlas Mountains worked tirelessly to provide aid.

If you’d like to contribute to these efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].