My name is Angela Shuruba, and I am a volunteer at the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). My main occupation is working as a salesperson. I used to work at the "Zorile" shoe manufacturing enterprise.

I learned about RVC by chance when I attended events at KEDEM. I was looking for an opportunity to get closer to my roots, study the history and culture of the Jewish people, and participate in Jewish life. When I asked about educational programs at KEDEM, I was given a few phone numbers and invited to have a chat. Later, I filled out an application and gradually became part of the RVC team because I found here what I was looking for—a warm, friendly atmosphere, a wonderful team, educational and creative programs, the support of a psychologist, assistance to the elderly, and the opportunity to interact with interesting people.

While my children were little, my daughter and son attended an art club and took part in youth programs. Currently, I'm more drawn to KEDEM's activities, and I've become a volunteer at RVC.

I love the projects I'm involved in; they fill me with joy. Communicating with the elderly, whether in person or over the phone, is an opportunity to help them feel less lonely and to let them know that they will always have support and assistance. That's why I volunteer in the Call Center direction of the "Friendship by Phone" project and "Sources of Mercy." I accompany the elderly to the store or on walks.

"Regardless of how wealthy you are, you can always share with others." That's what volunteering is all about—having the opportunity to do a good deed, whether it's sharing your time, experience, or even just a kind smile. It's what I can do, and it makes me a bit better.

Hello, my name is Evangelina Grigonis, and I'm a volunteer. As a member of the community, I pay close attention to everything happening within it and, whenever possible, I assist in various projects and initiatives. I have been involved in several community and city events.

I am also a representative of the AJT youth club and lead several different projects. I easily find common ground with children and enjoy teaching them something new. That's why I conduct informal education sessions at the children's club and help out at a summer day camp during school holidays.

Among my other volunteer projects are "Food Security," where we collect food packages and distribute them to those in need, as well as "Generations Chronicle" and "Shabbat as a Separate Form of Art," where I assist in organizing and preparing meetings for participants. Additionally, I contribute to the "Socialization Club" and "Day Club."

I appreciate that volunteering opens up vast opportunities for self-realization and communication. Moreover, I like seeing that my efforts are needed and important. I believe that volunteering is the best way to make our world a better place!

My name is Baronina Elena. In 2019, I graduated from the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, majoring in Academic Singing under the guidance of Professor Mukhamedov Galina Iminovna. After graduation, I started working at the State Theater of Musical Comedy (Operetta) of Uzbekistan as a Soloist-Vocalist. A year later, I also became a teacher at the "Theatrical Dance Studio at the Operetta Theater."

My students never miss classes and enthusiastically participate in all the projects of our studio. We have performed on the stage of the State Theater of Musical Comedy (Operetta) of Uzbekistan, where we were warmly welcomed by the audience. Additionally, we always enjoy performing at concerts organized by the "Jewish Renaissance" project of the "Joint" Branch in Uzbekistan. There, we experience a pleasant, warm, family atmosphere, and the audience is kind and responsive. We love performing and exchanging experiences with the "Shoshanim" Theatrical Dance Studio of the "Jewish Renaissance" project.

Looking forward to new meetings in our joint projects!

My name is Grunya Varzar, and I am a volunteer at Hesed in Tiraspol. For over 15 years, volunteering has been an integral part of my life, where I find meaning and joy. My journey began with a desire to help those in need, and this realization was a revelation for me.

I hold the “Craftswomen” project close to my heart, where we create cozy items for those in need. The “Warm Kindness” campaign, where I knit socks and slippers, has become a celebration for me, as each stitch represents warmth and care.

Helping distribute matzah and food packages brings me joy, especially when I see the grateful smiles of those receiving help. These moments inspire me to continue my volunteer work.

Volunteering not only allows me to improve others’ lives but also helps me grow as a person. I meet amazing people, and each new acquaintance becomes part of my story.

I believe that every step we take toward kindness makes a difference.

Golubchikova Tatyana joined the volunteer movement thanks to her daughter. She organizes an action called "Kind Warmth", in which volunteers knit socks for those in need. Socks are knitted by all members of the family - Tatyana, her daughter and mother. Also, this action is carried out in the lyceum, where Tatyana works as a teacher. In addition, at the lyceum, Tatyana hosts master classes for students who draw postcards for the elderly for Hanukkah, March 8, and other holidays. She also enjoys participating in the "Cooking Together" online event. Tatyana says that volunteering is the need of her soul, she wants to leave a trace of kindness in this world. Volunteering makes her soul richer, and she feels the satisfaction of being able to help people in need.

24 years old

Reception document service assistant.

Hobbies: I write poems, prose and I enjoy being photographed.

My volunteer career began when I was at school in 11th grade. My friend and I signed up for an action against extremism and drug trafficking. We walked around ​​the district and made photos of “advertisements” of drugs, smoking mixtures, and various inscriptions such as swastikas, which offend different nationalities. We sent all the information to a police officer.

Later, I was a volunteer in the search and rescue team «Liza Alert» and searched for missing people. I placed announcements about the search, notified the public about the results, and I was also the organizer of the «Memorial Day of the Perished Children» supported by «Lisa Alert».

I wanted to be a volunteer from a Jewish organization, and I learned about the existence of Hesed Ester and the fact that everyone could participate in cleaning the Jewish cemetery. This is very important for me as a Jew, as a member of the community, and it gives me great pleasure to do this activity. There is such a nice and useful action as cleaning the cemetery — thank you so much for it!

Having the MD degree in Medicine, she is a radiologist, Fruma Zalimanovna was born in 1929. Despite her not young age, she is full of energy and enthusiasm, which are so necessary in volunteering. Our heroine started her social work in 1946. Fruma Zalimanovna is the Assistant of the Chairman of the Medical Council of the University and a part-time mentor for the student volunteer movement «Milky Way». To the Volunteer Center of the synagogue she was invited in July 2013 as a consultant for the Organization of the Jewish Museum, then she became a principal consultant. Fruma Zalimanovna says that she is engaged in volunteering solely by ”The Call of the Soul”. She is totally sure that it is especially important today, because our society has lost its moral values. Fruma Zalimanovna also manages to write the books in history and in medicine.

Hello, my name is Lyubov Zavalnaya, and I am a member of the large volunteer family at the Shymkent Volunteer Center. I joined the community 18 years ago, and over that time, I grew from a project participant into an active volunteer. Perhaps this happened because I’ve always had a desire to help others, and volunteering gave me the opportunity to do real good deeds.

I’m currently involved in several projects. As part of the Good Deeds Day campaign, we help organize and deliver food packages. I also participate in preparing and running holiday events for Passover, Purim, and Rosh Hashanah. For children’s celebrations, I happily bake homemade pies to delight the youngest members of our community. I love seeing the joy in the eyes of those we help, and every time I’m reminded that I’ve chosen the right path.

And I have a special joy in my life—my daughter Taisia has followed in my footsteps and become a volunteer too! Now we participate in many actions together, and I’m truly proud of her. Of course, the example of older generations is important in raising the younger ones, but I like to believe that the desire to do good runs in the genes of our whole family.

I encourage everyone to join our large volunteer community, because together—we are a powerful force capable of making this world a much better place!

My name is Yuliana Berkovich. In 2010, I came to the Jewish community center with my eldest son. I began to attend creative circles and actively help in the design of stands and exhibitions. Soon I became a volunteer and started to lead the "Creative Workshop" project in Hesed. Since the summer of 2022, I have been organizing and hosting master classes for children and teenagers at the Jewish Community Center. My youngest son also attends the center's programs. At these workshops, we sew dolls together from various materials, make crafts from leather, felt and yarn. This lesson brings me real pleasure, and the joyful faces of the children convince me that my knowledge and experience are very valuable and useful.

Hello, my name is Polyakova Nelly. Since childhood, I couldn't pass by others' suffering and always strove to help those in need. This drive led me to medicine. My professional career ended due to my age (I am 87 years old), but the desire to be useful to people remained.

Many community members came to me for consultations, and I was always ready to answer all their questions. So when the idea of creating a medical online project came up, I happily agreed! For over three years now, I have been a volunteer for the "Health Hour" project. As a professional neurologist, I provide consultations and educational work within the project.

I enjoy volunteering because, unlike professional work, it has no age restrictions. You can help others regardless of how old you are. At the same time, you continue to grow and develop, meet new people, and always receive words of gratitude, which support you better than the most modern medicines! Volunteering helps me lead an active life, and even at 87, feel active and in demand!

Curiosity led us to volunteering. My sister and I attended Romanian language classes at the International Training and Professional Development Center at KEDEM and became interested in the stands of the Volunteer Center. They were so bright and interesting that we wanted to learn more about it.

So we became volunteers for the "Call Center" project, which is designed for communicating with elderly members of the community. Our task is to provide information about upcoming events, congratulate them on holidays, conduct surveys, and find out what assistance they need. When the military actions started in Israel, we also called the elderly to provide prompt assistance.

We have also been involved in other volunteer initiatives. Last year, Kristina participated in the "Clean Chișinău" campaign on the Day of Good Deeds, and I helped organize a master class for the elderly in Buděšty. Together, we also assisted in conducting a master class for participants of the "Day Center" project.

We participate in the IMPROmedia project, and among other things, voiced an animated video on the history of Purim. We also joined the "Memory in Documents" project, but it is currently suspended due to the military actions in Israel. We have made several festive visits to community members with gifts and have also participated in workshops on making crafts and gifts for the elderly.

Volunteering for us is an opportunity to lead an active life, communicate, and help those in need of support. We take part in various events organized by the Volunteer Center and KEDEM, and we are very glad that we once followed our curiosity!

Hello, my name is Zlata Volynchuk, and since the summer of 2024, I’ve been a member of the big family of the Republican Volunteer Center. I first heard about the center from a classmate, and at that time I was drawn to the idea of becoming a volunteer and helping those in need. Now I participate in several projects.

I regularly call clients as part of the Call Center project. I enjoy talking to people and informing them about upcoming events. I also help organize events held at RVC and KEDEM. This activity allows me to explore what goes on behind the scenes and learn everything that experienced organizers know. I love seeing how much joy our guests experience and knowing that I played a part in that.

Another project I take part in is the English language learning program in the Jewish kindergarten. I help young children learn a foreign language to expand their future communication opportunities — because today, the world is open to each of us.

RVC has become a place for me where new friendships and knowledge flourish. But most importantly, it’s a place where helping others takes on a real, tangible form, and kindness becomes more than just an abstract idea. Our team is ready to lend a hand and can solve almost any task! Additionally, the volunteer center helped me discover the depth and importance of Jewish traditions. I’m so glad I once chose this path and I invite everyone to join our team!