Toys for Hospitalized Children president Rabbi JJ Hecht and Neil Kupferman, its chairman, have just completed a trip to Poland, where they brought a spark of joy to 700 Ukrainian children, including many orphaned, all displaced, as a result of Russia’s invasion.
The kids, 5-18, are living at an orphanage in Ossa, Poland, which was established in response to the tragedy; and with the Chabad Jewish Center in Warsaw, headed by Rabbi SB Stambler.
“We’re fighting evil with love,” said Rabbi Hecht, who described how the group was met with smiles and laughter, and were surprised by the children’s positivity, despite their circumstances. Hecht and his team brought toys, essentials, candy, and winter coats donated by Centric Brands, LLC, a leading global lifestyle brand collective helmed by Jason Rabin and Steve Pinkow.
“Although our focus is largely on helping kids at US hospitals, we couldn’t stand by as innocent Ukrainian children suffer and struggle to survive this horrific war,” said Rabbi Hecht. “The children were so happy to visit with us. The orphanage is overwhelmed, with children sleeping on mattresses on the floor, some two and three to a bed. But we were able to bring them respite from their reality – they all enjoyed the gifts, coats, and time we spent with them. Besides bringing a few hours of normalcy, we wanted to show them the world cares.”
“When Torah tells the story of the world’s creation, we read ‘Ki-tov – For It Is Good.’ We have the choice to do good. This trip is about making the right choices,” said Kupferman. “We must stand up against evil and bring love and goodness into the world.”
Also joining the visit was former NJ State Senator Ray Lesniak, who said, “This effort to help orphans from Ukraine in Poland has revived our Polish Pride as Poland and its people have opened their homes, schools and jobs for refugees from Putin’s invasion of a free, democratic Ukraine.”
