Meet Alex
World Jewish Relief is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees like Alex Lidagovsky through our specialist training and employment programme, STEP Ukraine. As the largest refugee employment initiative for Ukrainian refugees in the UK, STEP Ukraine has assisted over 13,000 individuals, with more than 1,150 already securing employment.
When the war disrupted Alex Lidagovsky’s life in Kyiv, the renowned abstract and figurative sculptor faced an uncertain future. Alex and his family were forced to flee with only their pets and a suitcase. He learned his studio had been destroyed shortly after. Following a harrowing journey through western Ukraine and Poland, Alex and his family reached Kingston-upon-Thames, UK, in April 2022, thanks to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Facing language barriers and the challenge of re-establishing himself professionally, Alex turned to STEP Ukraine for support. Through the programme, he received English language classes, which were crucial in helping him navigate everyday life and connect with the art community. A dedicated World Jewish Relief Employment Advisor worked closely with Alex, helping him explore and gain access to various exhibition opportunities.

This tailored support relaunched Alex’s artistic work. At Fusion Arts Studios in Kingston-upon-Thames, he was able to continue his passion for sculpture, gaining significant recognition within the UK art community. Alex was then accepted into the Royal Society of British Artists, a remarkable achievement that was featured in press across the country!
Alex’s journey illustrates the transformative support provided by World Jewish Relief’s STEP Ukraine programme, enabling him to rebuild his life and professional identity.
“I am extremely thankful to my friends and colleagues in Britain, as well as the British government and World Jewish Relief, for giving me the chance to stay true to myself and my profession and continue to fight for my country, Ukraine.” Alex reflects.
Meet Bonette
Bonette faced significant challenges early in her life. After being abandoned by her father and cast out by her stepmother, she found herself homeless and pregnant at 17, without support from her child’s father.
Struggling to make ends meet, Bonette took on odd jobs and occasionally relied on local support, yet she often found it difficult to meet her needs and those of her newborn son, Brighton. Balancing work and motherhood was particularly challenging, and she sometimes had to rely on the kindness of others for survival.
A turning point came when local leaders introduced her to World Jewish Relief’s Enable programme, in partnership with SACCA. Although initially hesitant due to self-doubt and responsibilities as a mother, Bonette decided to participate in the training to develop skills for employment. With guidance from the programme’s staff, she committed to her education while ensuring Brighton was cared for.

With childcare support, Bonette thrived in her hairdressing course, leading to an internship and eventually a stable job. Now, she earns a steady income, which allows her to meet Brighton’s needs and plan for a better future. Inspired by her journey and the support she received, she hopes to open her own salon and support others in their employment journeys.
The Enable programme played a crucial role in changing Bonette’s path, offering her the tools and support needed to move forward with hope and confidence for the future.
Meet Tamara
In the besieged city of Kherson, members of the local Jewish community like Tamara Mikhailovna have endured a year of relentless shelling, facing isolation and loneliness as their families seek safety elsewhere. At 83 years old, Tamara’s days are filled with fear and despair, trapped in her flat with only memories of a troubled past.
Upon learning about Tamara’s plight, World Jewish Relief took action that went beyond practical assistance; we aimed to provide the compassionate presence she desperately needed. Through our homecare programme, social workers visit her three times a week, addressing her physical needs while also offering supportive companionship.
During a particularly intense period of shelling, Tamara found herself paralysed by fear, refusing to leave her home for days. In her darkest hour, our social workers became her lifeline. Despite the risks, they ensured she had food and companionship, providing solace amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Tamara expressed her gratitude for our continuous support:
“I, Tamara Afanasyevna Narevskaya, have lived 83 difficult years… When the shadow of the occupation enveloped our city in this war, I felt waves of fear, despair, grief and endless tears pouring down my weary cheeks.
When all seemed lost… [World Jewish Relief] reached into our hearts and homes to lend a helping hand despite the dangers and shelling. They brought warmth, care and support to our lonely lives, being true heroines, whose actions became an anthem of hope. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the selflessness and love they give us every day.”
Tamara’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and compassion in times of crisis. Our support not only provides essential resources but also restores hope and dignity to lives affected by war.
Meet Merium
Meriem Yibre, a 32-year-old woman from the Oromia region of Ethiopia, was forced to flee her home when she became a target due to her Amhara ethnicity. Unaware of her ethnicity prior to the violence, she tragically lost her husband to the perpetrators but managed to
escape with her two children after a grueling three-day trek through jungles. Meriem is among the many conflict-affected and displaced women who found refuge in the Debre Birhan IDP camp, yet upon arrival, she relied heavily on aid.
Her life changed dramatically when she was accepted into PILOR, a World Jewish Relief livelihoods programme that supports displaced single mothers. Before joining PILOR, Meriem struggled to provide for her children, who could not attend school. Living on humanitarian aid and haunted by her past hardships, her future seemed bleak.

However, with the support of PILOR, Meriem’s situation transformed remarkably. She describes her life as “incredible,” as she can now provide for her family and send her children to school with the necessary materials. No longer dependent solely on aid, she chooses nutritious food for her family and earns over 2000 Ethiopian Birr daily, an impressive testament to her hard work and the programme’s impact.
PILOR has not only provided financial support but has also empowered Meriem to establish new life aspirations, instilling hope amid despair. The training she received has significantly improved her business skills, savings habits, and bookkeeping.
Meriem’s story illustrates the profound impact of World Jewish Relief’s PILOR programme, which helps displaced women regain their independence, build sustainable livelihoods, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Meet Omar
Omar Guaracha Abdullahi is an elderly man from Lakole Canter village in Tana River County in Kenay. As the head of a family of six, including four unemployed children and a wife living with a disability, Omar’s circumstances changed dramatically due to a prolonged drought that wiped out his livelihood of 30 cattle, leaving him with only two.
In this dire situation, Omar struggled to make ends meet, relying on alternative sources of income like bee hunting and charcoal burning. However, at his age, his ability to work diminished, and the threat of starvation loomed over his family. Describing his plight, he states “None of my children are working, and we are entirely dependent on one another for survival.”
Fortunately, Omar became a beneficiary of cash assistance provided by World Jewish Relief. This cash injection, received every other month, has been a lifesaver, enabling his family to enjoy three meals a day, a stark contrast to their previous uncertainty. “A proud man is one whose family has food on the table. Today, I am that proud father because of this cash programme” he shares.

The assistance has allowed Omar to rebuild trust with local vendors, who now offer him credit, knowing he can repay them. Additionally, it has helped him address essential needs, including healthcare. He recalls a critical moment when his wife fell ill: “The cash disbursement coincided with her hospitalisation, allowing me to cover her medical expenses.”
Omar’s reliance on this cash assistance is profound, stating, “If this intervention ends today, please be prepared for mass graves. That’s how dire the situation is.” The drought has disrupted traditional pastoralist customs, making recovery impossible for many families in the community.
He voices a desperate plea for ongoing support: “The situation is worsening. If this ends, we perish.”
Omar’s story highlights the profound impact of World Jewish Relief’s cash assistance programme, providing not just food security, but hope and resilience to families grappling with the effects of devastating drought. This story exemplifies the vital work World Jewish Relief is doing to support individuals and communities affected by extreme weather events and climate disasters.
Meet Evgeniya
Evgeniya, a woman from Mariupol, Ukraine, has faced unimaginable challenges since the outbreak of war on February 24, 2022. She and her son, Kostya, lived in constant fear as shelling destroyed their surroundings. Then they lost touch with Evgeniya’s husband – a truly harrowing experience – who was captured and is being held as a prisoner of war by the invading Russians. Now displaced in Odesa, Evgeniya participates in World Jewish Relief’s Back to Work programme, designed to provide life-changing employment training and psychological support for individuals traumatised by conflict. This programme, rooted in Jewish values, aims to empower participants to support themselves, fostering resilience and rebuilding lives.

As Evgeniya engages with other women who share similar stories of loss and courage, she finds community and strength. Together, they navigate their grief and strive for a better future. Evgeniya holds onto a grain of hope that she will be reunited with her husband one day, but the weight of the uncertainty is almost unbearable.
Through the Back to Work programme, Evgeniya is not only receiving critical psychological support but also the skills needed to secure a sustainable livelihood. This support provides a rare ray of light, allowing her to envision a brighter future for herself and Kostya.
Evgeniya’s journey highlights the importance of psychological support for individuals and families affected by the ongoing conflict. By equipping women like Evgeniya with the tools to thrive, the Back to Work programme embodies the essence of Tzedakah, enabling participants to rebuild their lives and create a hopeful future despite the scars of war.
Meet Svetlana
Svetlana, a Ukrainian psychologist living in Israel, has devoted herself to aiding those impacted by trauma. Working for the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) – supported by World Jewish Relief – Svetlana’s journey highlights the necessity of prioritising mental wellness amidst conflict.
In February 2022, war erupted in Ukraine. The news of Svetlana’s hometown being bombed left her in disbelief. Determined to help, she initiated Zoom calls with the elderly in Mariupol, a place that was once vibrant but now lies in ruins. Along with her colleagues, Svetlana developed a curriculum for Ukrainian psychologists to address security trauma, utilising Israeli protocols and best practices from ITC.
However, on 7th October 2023, Svetlana faced a new reality of violence in Israel. Evacuated from Sderot amid sirens and gunfire, she continued to support those in distress. As she helped others, she found herself applying the breathing techniques she teaches her clients to manage her own stress.

With both of Svetlana’s homelands at war, she recalls an emotional Shabbat dinner in Vienna with Ukrainian Jewish refugees, where she realised how fortunate she was to live in Israel. Then, after experiencing the chaos and evacuation caused by October 7th, she shared their longing: “I want to go home too.”
ITC focuses on helping individuals regain a sense of normalcy, offering therapies such as art therapy, EDMR, movement, CBT, and trauma-based therapy. Thanks to World Jewish Relief’s funding, ITC has provided over 900 hours of therapy during a 12-week period to 276 family members. Tailored programmes aimed at the Bedouin community have also enhanced the skills of local social workers, emergency responders, and educational teams.
Svetlana reflects on the profound impact of trauma, stating “Hamas wants us to be scared. If I’m scared, they’ve won… So I won’t let them win.” She is dedicated to supporting and healing those affected by conflict, demonstrating the critical role that mental health care plays in overcoming trauma.