In Jewish tradition, Hesed – or loving-kindness – lies at the heart of our communal life. In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re celebrating our recent Mitzvah Day which was a remarkable display of Hesed. With passion and purpose, 46 members of our STEP Ukraine team, who work as employment advisors to help Ukrainians find work, learn English and integrate into life in the UK, dedicated a day to giving back to the community in other ways.
On the day, our STEP Ukraine team set out to volunteer at a diverse range of organisations across the UK – from local food banks and community centres in Bradford and Leeds, to animal shelters and other refugee support groups. Their enthusiasm for giving back underscored the value of Hesed – one of World Jewish Relief’s core values – demonstrating that acts of kindness can transform not only the lives of those who receive them but also the hearts of those who give.
One volunteer captured the day’s spirit perfectly:
“I grabbed a few bags and some gloves and went litter-picking. I was followed by some curious geese, swans, and squirrels who thought I came to feed them (sorry, friends!). A few people stopped me to ask who I was and why I was doing this, which made for some lovely little chats. One kind lady even offered to take my photo. I’m grateful for this opportunity! Let’s all do our bit!”
Another of our team, who spent the day caring for rescue dogs, reflected:
“I spent most of the day walking, bathing, and feeding rescue dogs. The staff were extremely grateful for my help as some of the dogs hadn’t been walked for six days. It was sad to hear how some of these dogs have been treated, but extremely rewarding going down there and helping out – I will definitely be doing it again.”
Our team also found personal meaning in their chosen tasks. One member, volunteering at Shelter – The Housing and Homelessness Charity, explained:
“I spent my volunteering day at the Shelter. Why the Shelter, you ask? Well, I believe that having a home is the first thing a person needs. It’s also kind of symbolic for me because I’ve found my new home in this country, so I want to help people who don’t have one.”
The day was filled with moments of connection and shared humanity. While delivering food during a busy lunch hour at a community centre, one volunteer had the honour of meeting Arek Hersh, a Holocaust survivor:
“It was such an amazing experience. Arek Hersh asked me what I did for work. I would have loved to chat with him longer, but duty called as I continued serving lunch. It’s so great that World Jewish Relief gives us this day to go out into the community and help out.”
For many, the day was a reaffirmation that volunteering goes beyond a simple act of service – it creates a ripple effect of positivity and mutual support. As one volunteer aptly put it:
“This day once again proved that volunteering is not just about helping others, but also an opportunity to receive a huge amount of positive emotions and motivation for new achievements.”
But our employment advisors don’t just give back one day a year. They dedicate every day of their week to assisting those in need. By supporting Ukrainian refugees on their journey towards stability and integration, our employment advisors – many of whom are Ukrainian refugees themselves – are embodying Hesed.
As we approach the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the significance of our work becomes even more profound. The ongoing conflict has disrupted countless lives, and through the STEP Ukraine programme, World Jewish Relief continues to offer hope, practical support, and a sense of belonging to those in need. We are also assisting hundreds of thousands in Ukraine through our diverse range of programmes. You can find out more here.
Mitzvah Day was a beautiful reminder that each act of kindness – no matter how small – can contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate community. Whether it was litter-picking in a local park or spending time with vulnerable individuals at a charity centre, the impact of these volunteer efforts was felt far and wide.
At World Jewish Relief, we believe that every act of kindness is a step towards healing and rebuilding. As we celebrate these moments of selfless giving, we invite you to join us in spreading Hesed – not just on Mitzvah Day, but every day.
