As part of my efforts towards studying in Israel next fall at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, I am excited to be participating in the Dream Israel Teen Initiative and raising funds for important Jewish National Fund (JNF) projects in Israel. JNF is supporting Israel and Israelis in a number of different ways. While there are many important initiatives that need financial support such as: the fire and rescue efforts and inclusion programs for Israel’s special needs' population, I will be raising money for JNF's Ukraine refugee resettlement and relief project. As many of you know, when Russia invaded Ukraine it caused many families-mostly women and children- to be displaced and left them without many resources.

Ukraine has one of the world's largest Jewish communities and according to JNF, an estimated 200,000 Ukrainians qualify for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return. My great-great grandparents emigrated from Ukraine so it also holds personal meaning for me. Learning about these families, who have experienced the tragedy of unexpectedly leaving their homes and all they know, made me want to bring awareness to my friends and family who might be able to help in the efforts to resettle them in Israel for a better life. My goal is to raise $5000 by the middle of July. Here are ways that money raised will be used:

- care packages for mothers and small children, including diapers, hygiene products, small toys, and snacks
- basic supplies, meals, support group activities, and after school enrichment
- outdoor after school enrichment programs for school children
- programming and assistance for kids at Camp Nes Harim, located within American Independence Park outside of Jerusalem
- counseling and placement services for Ukrainian Olim
- buses to evacuate refugees from Ukraine

If I meet my fundraising goal, not only will we be making a critical difference for these Ukrainian families, but JNF will provide me with a grant for my own Israel travel experience, ensuring my opportunity to meet Israelis whose lives have been changed due to our support, as well as to explore my own connection to the land and people of Israel. This fall I will hopefully be attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel to strengthen my Jewish identity and learn with other Jewish high school students from around the world. Please consider supporting this important initiative and my efforts to meet my fundraising goal. Thank you!