Hundreds of Ukrainian Jewish refugee children residing in Poland are being provided with informal educational programs this summer to strengthen their connection to their Jewish identity.
The initiative, launched by Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry, Chabad of Poland, and Mosaic United, a global nonprofit focusing on enhancing the Jewish identities of young Jews and their connection to Israel, aims to offer a meaningful summer experience for the children.
Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler, Director of Chabad of Poland, highlighted the importance of providing informal education during the summer to nurture Jewish identity, heritage, values, and customs in a dynamic and holistic manner.
The partner organizations have committed to funding the programming costs for 200 Ukrainian Jewish refugee children, which amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The summer camp includes accommodations for families and tailored programs for adults.
Chabad of Poland has been assisting Jewish Ukrainian refugees in resettling in Poland since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The organization has served as a spiritual support and a stepping stone for those continuing their journey to Israel and other countries.
The program aims to bring a sense of normalcy and emotional solace to the children, offering them a fun and inspiring environment during the summer, said Rabbi Stambler.
Poland has been a primary transit point for Ukrainian refugees seeking to migrate to Western countries. Photo by Gophi, Wikimedia commons.