On Sunday 18th October, we were delighted that Ner Yisrael Synagogue hosted our first virtual tour of the Tikva homes and schools in Odessa, Ukraine.
We are so grateful and excited that Ner Yisrael has chosen Tikva as its charity partner.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 a Ner Yisrael trip to Tikva in Odessa to meet and spend time with the children has been postponed until further notice. However, just because the community couldn’t go to Odessa, doesn’t mean Odessa couldn’t come to Hendon – virtually of course.
Guests who logged onto the Zoom event heard a wonderful introduction to Tikva by Ner’s Rabbi Zobin, followed by Refael Kruskal CEO Tikva Odessa, who gave an informative and emotional background about Tikva. Refuel told the participant where the children come from, about the Jewish community in Odessa, and the measures and programmes put in place to help the most vulnerable during lockdown and Covid-19. With Odessa being two hours ahead of the UK, the children in our Infants’ Home, aged newborn to six years old were already asleep by the time the event took place, therefore, an adorable pre-recorded tour of the home, the children playing and bedtime was played, followed by a pre-recoded tour of the kindergarten and schools.
The live tour of the Girls’ Home, which is now on lockdown due to a Covid-19 outbreak, gave guests a lovely insight into their arts and crafts room, chill area and how they socialise with each other. During the Boys’ Home tour, guests were shown the Edwards Family Sports, Leisure & Arts Centre, including the gym. They were then brought into the dining hall for a Rosh Chodesh meal and a little sing along.
After a question & answer session with Refael Kruskal & Karen Bodenstein, CEO Tikva UK, a recording of the children singing the Shema was a beautiful end to the event.
Rosalie Jaffe, Chair of Ner Yisrael‘s charity committee said ‘It was amazing to see the work Tikva is doing for the children and the community in Odessa, it really touched our hearts. The feedback from those who attended the Zoom event has been exceptional. We are really looking forward and are proud to be fundraising for Tikva’.