Israeli Delegation In Poland For Purim Holiday To Respond To Needs In Refugee Communities
Travelling with humanitarian supplies including food, clothing and toys, a delegation of Israeli rabbis, educators and musicians formed in response to requests from local rabbinic and community leaders in Poland arrived to to help ensure the Purim holiday can be as joy-filled as possible despite the enormous challenges facing the refugee community.
The mission, made possible by the Israel-based Ohr Torah Stone educational network, will be dispersing among several different locations in Poland including Warsaw, Lodz, Lublin and Przemysl. The organization's emissary training program has rabbis on the ground throughout Europe, already addressing the pressing needs of the immigrant community and offering humanitarian, spiritual and communal support.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, President of Ohr Torah Stone said, “As a holiday defined by the concept of joy defeating evil and a victory over hatred, Purim is celebrated as a symbol of Jewish and general human survival, so it's crucial this day not be forgotten amidst the chaos, tragedy and fear affecting the Ukrainian refugees.” He added, “Our volunteers are going for Purim not only to answer the great need in the field for basic humanitarian necessities, but also to try and provide a degree of normalcy, meaning and hopefully even happiness in these times of incredible challenge, pain and loss.”
The holiday of Purim commemorates the story of a Jewish victory over genocide in ancient Persia and is traditionally celebrated with costumes, parties, music, food packages and charity distributed to friends and the needy. A central tradition of the day is the reading of the Book of Esther, which chronicles the role of Queen Esther in the Jewish defeat of the enemy, Haman. Members of the delegation will be holding services to read the Book of Esther and bring holiday celebrations in various locations throughout the country.
Delegation head Rabbi Benjy Myers remarked from Warsaw that, “We are here with a population that is facing some of life’s worst challenges, but our every hope is that in addition to providing material and practical support we can also contribute to a more positive and joyful holiday experience and allow them to appreciate that they are not alone.”
Rabbi Rafi Ostroff, head of the Gush Etzion Religious Council who together with his wife Lali are part of the mission said, "We’re here in Lublin working to directly help the families that have arrived here, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back and without any identifying documents or money. We are doing whatever possible to help them with supplies and clothing and get them to longer-term housing that is suitable for Jewish residents. Our hope, particularly on Purim, is to be able to lift their spirits and surround them with kindness and show they are not alone during this horrific time."
"We’re here in Lublin working to directly help the families that have arrived here, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back and without any identifying documents or money. We are doing whatever possible to help them." (Photo credit: Dovi Schamroth)
Travelling with humanitarian supplies including food, clothing and toys, a delegation of Israeli rabbis, educators and musicians formed in response to requests from local rabbinic and community leaders in Poland arrived to to help ensure the Purim holiday can be as joy-filled as possible despite the enormous challenges facing the refugee community.
The mission, made possible by the Israel-based Ohr Torah Stone educational network, will be dispersing among several different locations in Poland including Warsaw, Lodz, Lublin and Przemysl. The organization's emissary training program has rabbis on the ground throughout Europe, already addressing the pressing needs of the immigrant community and offering humanitarian, spiritual and communal support.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, President of Ohr Torah Stone said, “As a holiday defined by the concept of joy defeating evil and a victory over hatred, Purim is celebrated as a symbol of Jewish and general human survival, so it's crucial this day not be forgotten amidst the chaos, tragedy and fear affecting the Ukrainian refugees.” He added, “Our volunteers are going for Purim not only to answer the great need in the field for basic humanitarian necessities, but also to try and provide a degree of normalcy, meaning and hopefully even happiness in these times of incredible challenge, pain and loss.”
The holiday of Purim commemorates the story of a Jewish victory over genocide in ancient Persia and is traditionally celebrated with costumes, parties, music, food packages and charity distributed to friends and the needy. A central tradition of the day is the reading of the Book of Esther, which chronicles the role of Queen Esther in the Jewish defeat of the enemy, Haman. Members of the delegation will be holding services to read the Book of Esther and bring holiday celebrations in various locations throughout the country.
Delegation head Rabbi Benjy Myers remarked from Warsaw that, “We are here with a population that is facing some of life’s worst challenges, but our every hope is that in addition to providing material and practical support we can also contribute to a more positive and joyful holiday experience and allow them to appreciate that they are not alone.”
Rabbi Rafi Ostroff, head of the Gush Etzion Religious Council who together with his wife Lali are part of the mission said, "We’re here in Lublin working to directly help the families that have arrived here, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back and without any identifying documents or money. We are doing whatever possible to help them with supplies and clothing and get them to longer-term housing that is suitable for Jewish residents. Our hope, particularly on Purim, is to be able to lift their spirits and surround them with kindness and show they are not alone during this horrific time."
