Let me tell you about my Bat-Mitzvah project. A Bat-Mitzvah project is a social action project that a bar/bat mitzvah student chooses in order to improve the world. Originally, my project was going to be focused on the environment and the oceans. While this is still important, the recent war in Ukraine has struck my attention. My mom told me about her friend, Jessica, who is currently in Warsaw volunteering to help the refugees coming through the Central Train Station, many of whom are temporarily living in makeshift shelters. Thinking about these people who had to flee their country for their safety made me wonder, “What if it were me?” The truth is, what is happening in Ukraine could happen anywhere, and if it were me, I would hope that people in other places with better conditions would help me.

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Jessica, or as her students call her, Professor Hirshorn, came to Warsaw to teach at the University as a Fulbright Faculty Core Scholar. Two weeks after she arrived, the war started and she began to volunteer. Her efforts have continued to grow throughout the past two months. My mom and I were able to talk to her via Zoom to discuss what we can do to help and how we can get other people to contribute. In our conversation with Jessica, we found out that the two non-profit organizations providing the most aid in Warsaw are the World Central Kitchen who provides 10, 000 meals at the station and thousands more in other locations and Habitat for Humanity who are working to provide temporary housing. In reality, most of the efforts in assisting these refugees are organized by the regular citizens of Poland. For her part, Jessica is collecting funds and then filling in the cracks with what people need on any given day. You can read more about all that Jessica is doing in this recent ASU article that was written about her. For example, she just told us that at one temporary center called Modlinska 6D, three thousand people living on makeshift cots share just four showers. I also learned that most of the refugees, many who fled their homes with almost nothing, are women and children because the men between the ages of 18 and 60 had to stay behind in Ukraine to fight. 

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For now, we have decided to raise $1,800 on the fundraising page that Jessica setup for the Warsaw Central Train Station. Why $1,800? Simply because in Judaism, 18 signifies life, and with this money we will be able to directly impact the lives of many Ukrainian refugees. I am so very grateful to Jessica or taking the time to educate me about this refugee crisis. Her efforts have inspired me, and I hope they inspire you as well. If you want to join us in making a difference for the Ukrainian people, please consider donating to the  Warsaw Central Train Station Food Drive.

 

This fundraiser is now closed, thank you to everyone who donated! Everyone in Ukraine heavily appreciates your donations as we raised about $1,200. I would love for you all to continue to support Ukraine and help them out.