BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
04/03/2008
'Keren Yedidut Leyeladim' Reaches Out to Belarus
GRODNO, Belarus - In Grodno, dozens of needy children received a very welcome gift - numerous items of clothing and warm footwear. This humanitarian initiative entailed a real community effort, with staff and volunteers gathered in the Synagogue in order to distribute the jackets and boots.
This charitable act was made possible through the 'Children's Friendship' program of the 'Keren Yedidut Leyeladim' Foundation, the non-missionary International Fellowship of Christans and Jews, that was founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. Two of the principal Jewish organizations in the Former Soviet Union - the Ohr Avner Foundation and the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS - took part in distributing the items donated through this altruistic campaign.
The Jewish community of Grodno - a member of the Association of Jewish Communities of Belarus - was pleased to partake in this program, welcoming the opportunity to help those who are less well off. Those in need of assistance came out to receive some warm clothing and food packages, which are provided once every two weeks. These are basic necessities that many local residents find it hard to afford, even after pooling all of their family savings.
"I chose a jacket and boots for my child," commented the mother of one of the beneficiaries. "I was happy to see that they are of high quality and that they will actually keep her warm". There is no doubt that this initiative is going a long way to spread some warmth in this Belarus city.
Source:
http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=646181
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