By COLlive reporter
Mayor Eric Adams joined Chabad in Brighton Beach on Sunday, as hundreds of volunteers organized supplies for Ukrainian refugees.
The dropoff center is a project of Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, assisted by Chabad W Brighton Beach. Hundreds of volunteers have been preparing and organizing supplies such as medications, canned goods, dried foods, diapers, flashlights, and other necessities to be shipped to Romania and other neighboring countries to Ukraine.
Mayor Adams was greeted by W Brighton Beach Shluchim Rabbi Zushe Winner, Rabbi Moishe Winner and Rabbi Mendel Winner as well as Councilmember Vernikov.
Brighton Beach is home to thousands of Jews from Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis is very familiar to many of them, who just a few years ago experienced hardship and persecution themselves, Rabbi Moishe Winner says.
“People in our community are very passionate about getting involved, and keep asking what they can do to help,” he said. “This is a community effort.”
He says that two members of his community are making plans to travel to Ukraine to assist with refugees.
During the visit, Mayor Adams asked who the project coordinators are in touch with, and was told that the efforts are being done with Chabad on the ground.
“Chabad – that is amazing! They are everywhere!” Mayor Adams said.
He praised the efforts of Chabad and thanked the Cteen volunteers for their work, as well as all those who have donated.
“I am very grateful to Mayor Adams for taking the time to visit our district and express his support for the Ukrainian people,” said Councilmember Vernikov. “The grassroots efforts to collect supplies for the refugees has been astounding, and I am thankful to Chabad of Brighton Beach for partnering with me on this endeavor. I am so proud of my community for rallying together to support strangers in need across the world.”
The Chabad W Brighton is open for donations today and tomorrow 10 am – 7 pm.
