May 21, 2008

Searching For Your Roots ….

I often refer to my friend, Diane Lipson Schilit, as "eagle eyes". She frequently forwards emails with links to interesting stories about tzedakah, creative ways to change the world, good people…the things we are excited to learn about. Today’s email from Diane was a little cryptic…"thought this would interest you…" and a link to a news article in the Washington Jewish Week.

Diane made a good guess…the news article did interest me…the more I read, the more excited I became.

The piece shared the story of Dr. Moses Albert-a D.C.-area physician who wanted very much to explore his family’s roots and their ties to Ukraine…their original home. What Dr. Albert learned was that despite the departure of a large number of Jews from Kiev, Ukraine’s capital, many still lived there, most in great poverty. How could he help? After several visits, Dr. Albert saw exactly how he could help and with his wife, came up with a plan. With the assistance of two organizations based in Kiev, children from poor families or children with no family at all, are identified and when Dr. Albert visits the city, he takes the children shopping and lets them pick out what they want and need…This is a hands-on project in the very truest sense…I am going to call Dr. Albert and find out more…stay tuned!