Some one hundred Jewish refugee children and their caregivers from Ukraine, all of whom fled the terrors of the war, have arrived (Sunday, 6.3) at KKL-JNF’s Nes Harim Field and Forest Education Center (FFEC), near Jerusalem.
“They are still in shock from what they’ve been through, but we’re trying to help them settle down here and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. We hope to make them feel that they are in a warm and loving place,” said Nes Harim FFEC Director Gili Maimon. “The Jewish People’s ability to give and support warms the heart. Many people have donated gifts and toys, and even more have been calling in wanting to volunteer and help out.”
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These refugees, who are either orphans or the children-at-risk, have come from a state welfare residential facility, "Alumim", in Zhitomir in north-western Ukraine; not far from the capital, Kyiv. The youngest among them are only two years old, while the oldest are eighteen.
The children and staff members who accompanied them finally arrived at their safe haven after ten days of hardship and danger en route. When war broke out, they fled to the Romanian border, and when the bombing caught up with them there, they crossed into Romania and from there boarded a plane to Israel.
“There were difficult moments, and shells fell close to where we were,” recalled Malki Bukiat, director of the residential facility. “The most stressful moment was at the Romanian border crossing. We didn’t have proper travel documents, and I was afraid that some of the children would have to stay behind. But God must have heard our prayers, and we crossed without any problems.”
“When we arrived here, we received a warm and hearty welcome. The children are really happy at Nes Harim FFEC,” said Mendy, one of the members of the group.
Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, Chabad emissary to Zhitomir, also accompanied the refugees. “This past week I have experienced the support and love of Jews all over the world,” he said. “Our people may be scattered, but we are all one nation. May we enjoy this unity always, not only in time of war, but also in peacetime.”
KKL-JNF has prepared to host the refugees at Nes Harim FFEC for a whole month, during which the children, apart from finally enjoying peace and quiet after all they have been through, will participate in a wide range of fun and educational activities.
KKL-JNF’s Nes Harim FFEC provides fully equipped cabins and classrooms, plus open-air recreation and sport areas. It also offers trips and workshops in natural surroundings, a variety of adventure activities and camping in the KKL-JNF forests surrounding the center. During their stay, the children will get to know Israel, connect with its landscapes, sites, history, and culture.
Among those present to welcome the children on their arrival at Nes Harim FFCE was Minister of Communications Yoaz Hendel, who told the refugees: “How very good it is that you have come home! I hope you will enjoy being in this beautiful place. The State of Israel, the national home of the Jewish People, is a voice of morality in a suffering world.”
“KKL-JNF cannot stand idly by when confronted with the plight of Ukraine’s Jews. At this difficult time, the Jewish People is united,” declared KKL-JNF World Chairman Avraham Duvdevani. Speaking directly to the children, he added: “We love you and we shall do everything to ensure that things will be good for you here. As the Bible says: ‘Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion.’”