DIRECT AID to Ukrainian Villagers and Soldiers

Krzysztof just returned from his most dangerous mission to date!  He writes: "In general, it is very dangerous in Kharkov and there are speculations that Russia will want to capture this city. It is attacked several at times every day with bombs and rockets.“

He continues:”It is an unimaginable noise and bang, but the most dangerous thing ….is a very large amount of rocket debris that falls to the ground…you need to be far away from the explosion because if you are nearby, …you may be injured.  This is my new experience and learning in this terrible war.”

“On May 18, I experienced something that will always remain in my memory….I applied for the evacuation of civilians from Wotczansk in Kharkov.  We set off in the convoy but unfortunately our efforts were interrupted when our convoy was attacked and the evacuation was canceled.”

“ Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t help…I feel very angry and sad that the lives of those who were left in the city could not be saved.  This is an unimaginable loss that is a tough one to bear.”

“These types of experiences undeniably leave lasting imprints on the heart and mind.  But even though I feel sadness and sorrow, I also feel the strength and obligation to remember that everyone has a duty to help others and that even in the most difficult moments, we must persevere in hope.  I am convinced that with  our actions and determination, we can together create a better future.“

Krzysztof collected political banners from the latest Polish election and delivered them to help people cover their bombed out windows, doors and roofs. He also delivered food, shoes, clothes, medicine and more. He was able to gift our AAI Ukrainian bracelets to people he met along the way.

Krzysztof  WILL NOT STOP and truly believes that TOGETHER WE CAN DO MUCH!  He is only able to accomplish these dangerous missions to bring in greatly needed aid WITH YOUR HELP!  Your donation will go directly to support the people in Ukraine who need it most!

This month Krzysztof organized a conference to acknowledge families of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who are currently imprisoned by the Russians, The event was held on June 14, the anniversary of the first Jewish prisoner transport to Auschwitz-Birkenau.  We must not forget our history of atrocities  against victims of the Nazis then and Ukrainians captured, tortured and murdered by Putin's troops today.  LET THERE BE PEACE!

I write this report on February 24, 2024 which marks TWO YEARS since Putin invaded Ukraine.  Krzysztof's last mission into Ukraine lasted 11 days.  He spent two nights in local housing which gave him food and a shower.  The rest of the trip, he slept in his car, brewed coffee in his car and ate food he brought from home. The average hotel in Ukraine costs $25/night so by sleeping in his car and bringing food, he saved enough money to cover buying two tanks of gas.  He is VERY frugal!

He always rents a huge triailer and  fills every nook and cranny of the trailer and his car with donations.  He focuses on bringing this aid to eastern Ukraine where the fighting is centered.   HIs car is his lifeline and, with good reason, he is obsessed with security.  Krzysztof writes: "Before each trip and after returning  from Ukraine, the car goes to a car repair shop where it is checked and repaired.  I trust the person who checks the car and if there are suspicions that something visible may be broken or is worn a lot, we replace/repair it without any discussion."

Krzysztof adds: "It costs money but for me it is very important to return to my family and continue to help."

This last trip he brought hundreds of tires, along with food, medical supplies and disinfectant gel which the Ukrainians now burn as candle inserts.  

He will leave in March with more supplies, in particular medicine for soldiers and children which he has already secured.  His great need now is funds for Israeli bandages as well as the continuing costs of fuel and other travel necessities.  He will once again go into eastern Ukraine where, as he states, ""there is povery, death and one could say, the world ends there."

Krzystof always travels with the Polish and American flag.  He says, " I tell everyone and show that I am from Poland and with me there are ...American friends who have not forgotten and are still with me.  It's been two years.  I see that these people are very happy and thank us for continuing to help".  

Now...more than ever...with the funding for Ukraine being withheld by some in the US Congress, our personal support means the difference between life and death.  Your past contributions are much appreciated and your on-going support is critical. Thank you for what you have given...and hopefully will continue to give.