Ukraine -So What if There is a War.

It all started by accident a few months ago when I heard about “Alumim” -the Jewish orphanage in Western Ukraine, after almost two weeks here, I couldn’t be happier that I came to this place. Modani have donated $3000 for the orphanage and the refugees they bought clothes and school supplies. I’m glad that I had the privilege of helping this amazing place!

During my 10 years on the road I got to meet quite a few refuges, mostly in Africa. Although I spoke with them and listened to their problems I never really managed to connect and really understand the meaning of the word “Refuge” . Maybe because it’s so far away from me that I couldn’t imagine being in their place . The refugees I met today was different, they looked like me, spoke English and could easily be my family or my close friends.

One of the reasons I came to Ukraine during the war is to try and help an orphanage that also receives hundreds of refugees that fleeing from the war in the East.

I saw them getting off the bus, holding in one hand their children’s and in the other large suitcase with everything they could carry with them. They came from Donetsk, Eastern Ukraine not far from the Russian border. In recent months Donets is a war zone, and for the past couple of days the fighting become even worse!

In the evening I sat with one of the refuges on a bottle of beer (as is usual in Ukraine) and he told me his story. Peru Russian rebels fighting in the Ukrainian army that use missiles and tanks on citizens in order to defeat the rebels. The new airport built for UEFA 2012 is completely destroyed, most of the supermarket, shops and gas stations closed. Banks closed long ago and even the public transport don’t function properly.  

The refugees I met were dressed nicely, educated and speak several languages. They worked hard all their lives for economic stability and good social class. 

“I have a big house, business and apartments in Donetsk . I worked hard and now I don’t know what’s it worth, I don’t know if my house will be there after the war” He told me…

Enjoy life, you never know what the future holds for us.