Cherishing my role at World Jewish Relief

When we love something or someone, we can experience a spectrum of emotions: hope, despair, passion, grief, anxiety. It’s more accurate to see love as the enduring commitment behind these emotions, a guiding force that shapes our actions and responses.

This guiding force is what draws me to lead World Jewish Relief. I often travel to Ukraine, where we have supported hundreds of thousands of people with life-saving and life-changing services since the war there began. The situation there is critical and worsening, with stories of pain and sadness confronting me at every turn. Yet amid the sorrow, I am constantly reminded of the incredible work we do. Take Hanna’s story, for example. At 76, Hanna resides in Kherson, a city severely impacted by the conflict. Despite having family scattered across Ukraine and beyond, she has chosen to remain in her home, driven by a deep emotional connection to her family’s legacy and her community. When the war broke out, Hanna faced unimaginable challenges; frequent shelling made her living conditions terrifying. She described the fear that gripped her as bombs exploded nearby and sirens blared constantly.

Hanna survived the harsh winter without heat, relying on the kindness of neighbours and the warmth of bonfires to stay alive during those frigid months. When our team was able to assist her by repairing her windows, we not only made her surroundings a little warmer and more secure but also brought her a sense of hope amid despair.

Our commitment doesn’t end in Ukraine. We’ve also been instrumental in helping Ukrainians fleeing the war settle into the UK. One such refugee is Oleksandr, once a prize-winning boxer from Chernivtsi. His life was upended by the war as Russian attacks threatened his hometown. With his family living just 100m from the targeted local airport, they knew they had to leave as quickly as possible. After selling their car to make ends meet amid closing businesses, they sought refuge in the UK.

Arriving in Sheffield, both Oleksandr and his wife initially took jobs as cleaners, working below their qualifications. Seeking to improve his prospects, Oleksandr turned to World Jewish Relief’s Step Ukraine programme, which provided him with intensive English language lessons and business support. Through Step Ukraine, he developed the language skills and confidence to pursue his dream of opening a boxing academy.

In May 2024, Oleksandr realised this dream. He establishing his own boxing gym, which quickly became a cornerstone for the local community in Darnall, Sheffield. Welcoming up to 70 children on some nights, his gym offers not only boxing training but also a sense of belonging, structure and important life lessons.

Oleksandr is just one of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war whom we have supported through Step Ukraine. Delivered in partnership with the British Council, and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Step Ukraine has become the UK’s largest employment programme for Ukrainians displaced by war. In just over one year, more than 13,000 people have participated, and 1,150 people have already secured employment in the UK. Moreover, an impressive 91 per cent of participants have significantly improved their English language skills, enhancing their confidence and setting them up for positive employment outcomes now and in the future.

Bringing this initiative to life is testament to the tireless work and passion of so many people. Their dedication ensures we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Hanna and Oleksandr’s stories remind me why, despite the challenges we face daily, and the range of emotions I feel as a result, I love working at World Jewish Relief.

worldjewishrelief.org, 020 87361250
Registered charity 290767