Students unite with brothers and sisters from Ukraine
UIA recently collaborated with Jewish Primary Schools in Sydney to connect students to their Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine who have suddenly found themselves as refugees.
UIA NSW Women’s Division President Caroline Bolot addressed Primary School students from Moriah College and Masada College about the current challenges thousands of children their own age are facing in Ukraine, and how UIA is helping rescue them and their families by bringing them to safety in Israel.
To show their support and solidarity, the students wrote letters of kindness and encouragement to the children and families from Ukraine who will arrive in Israel shortly.
“I felt sorry for the Ukranian children and wanted to give them hope and make them feel safe when I wrote them a card. I wanted to tell them that so many countries are helping, and they will be safe. My message was that good will come hopefully and we care about them,” Year 4 student at Moriah College Bo Fourie said.
Year 4 teacher at Moriah College, Mrs Gita Smith commented: “The Ukraine cards initiative was a beautiful and highly impactful experience for the students in my class. Having the opportunity to watch the video and step inside fellow Jewish Ukrainian citizens’ lives was a memorable experience. The students watched in awe and commented on how positive these inspirational children remained even though they were experiencing such dire circumstances. The students were extremely enthusiastic about writing to and encouraging these children. Words from the heart, words of support, encouragement and hope were recorded in pictures and words. What a beautiful way to raise awareness and encourage compassion and empathy.”
The students’ parents were able to view the letters online and had the option of supporting the initiative and UIA’s rescue efforts via a donation to the organisation.
‘’It is absolutely heart-warming to see the genuine care and compassion shown by the Jewish students who made cards. UIA is in a unique position to connect our community and those who have suddenly found their worlds turned upside down with love and support. This small gesture will hopefully add some light to the challenging situation these Ukrainian families have found themselves in,” UIA CEO Yair Miller said.
