- June 29, 2025
- 6:19 pm
- Ukraine
The national contest “Charitable Ukraine 2024” recognized the achievements of Jewish volunteer organizations. This is a symbolic event for the entire Jewish community and a reflection of unity between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples.
National Recognition of the Jewish Contribution to Ukraine’s Volunteer Movement
On June 19, 2025, during the XVIII award ceremony of the “Charitable Ukraine 2024” national contest in Kyiv, Jewish volunteer organizations — “Jewish Hesed Bnei Azriel” from Kyiv and Volunteer Community Ukraine from Rivne — were honored for their impactful work in the most vulnerable areas: healthcare and humanitarian assistance.
“Bnei Azriel”: A Symbol of Care and Lives Saved
Special recognition was given to the International Charitable Foundation “Jewish Hesed Bnei Azriel” from Kyiv, which received third place in the “Charity in Healthcare” category.
The foundation’s representatives, Director Hryhoriy Kolodach and PR Manager Ivanna Yedharova, emphasized that the award is the result of teamwork — including hundreds of volunteers, donors, and partners.
“This is not just a diploma — it is a symbol of thousands of lives saved, sleepless nights, and boundless care,” they noted.
The Bnei Azriel Foundation has long been a pillar of support for the elderly, the sick, and those in need within Ukraine’s Jewish community. Support from Israel and the global Jewish diaspora makes the continuation of this mission possible.
First Place — For Collective Volunteering
The grand prize went to the Jewish organization Volunteer Community Ukraine from Rivne, which won first place in the “Collective Volunteering” category.
In 2024 alone, the organization assisted nearly 38,000 people, distributed over 70 tons of humanitarian aid, and implemented more than 600 projects and charitable events, including:
- an online course “School for Volunteers”
- emergency assistance trainings
- a large-scale volunteer conference
Their total contribution in 2024 amounted to over 100,000 volunteer hours — thousands of good deeds that brought help to the wounded, displaced, elderly, and children.
About the “Charitable Ukraine” contest
The contest has been held since 2007 and, since 2012, in its current format under the patronage of the Association of Philanthropists of Ukraine. It annually honors the country’s most effective charitable organizations and volunteers.
Goals of the contest:
- promotion of charity and volunteerism
- recognition of best practices and initiatives
- development of dialogue between donors and beneficiaries
- strengthening the humanitarian front of Ukraine
In 2025, the contest received 1,790 applications, from which winners were selected in 25 categories. Another winner — in the “People’s Philanthropist” category — was chosen via public voting.
Key Facts About “Charitable Ukraine 2024”
Jewish charitable organizations in Ukraine have been recognized as laureates of the national award “Charitable Ukraine 2024” — by NAnews (Israel News), June 29, 2025
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total number of applications | 1,790 |
| Number of categories | 26 |
| Winners from the Jewish community | 2 organizations |
| Tons of aid distributed by Volunteer Community | 70+ |
| Number of Volunteer Community beneficiaries | Nearly 38,000 people |
| Volunteer hours in 2024 | 100,000+ |
Jewish Solidarity as Part of Ukraine’s Resistance
The award ceremony was held on June 19 at Hyatt Regency Kyiv in an atmosphere of dignity and inspiration. It brought together international partners, civil society representatives, and media.
The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, was the guest of honor and opened the ceremony with the words:
“While our defenders hold the line, millions of volunteers are securing the rear. Self-organization and mutual assistance have become the superpower of all Ukraine.”
The contest is held under the motto “Charity for Ukraine’s Defense”, and the participation of Jewish organizations in this effort demonstrates how deep the connection is between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples.
Why This Matters for Israel
For readers of NAnews — Israel News living in Israel, these events are not just statistics. They are evidence of the resilience and self-organization of Ukraine’s Jewish community, which continues helping the vulnerable even amid full-scale war caused by Putin’s aggression.
Volunteers from Jewish organizations are helping not only Jewish families, but all Ukrainians — regardless of ethnicity. This is an example of authentic Jewish ethics and solidarity that resonates deeply with our readers in Israel.
NAnews emphasizes: the national recognition of Jewish volunteers is a bridge between Ukraine and Israel, between those who help and those who need help.
It is a reminder that good deeds are a weapon that saves lives and strengthens peace even in the darkest times.
