UK university students fly to Poland to help Ukrainian kids

A group of Jewish students have appealed for Lego, puzzles and manpower to help lift up the spirits of Ukrainian refugee children who have made it across the border into Poland.

The eight university students, led by Rabbi Aharon Lemberger, a university chaplain from Scotland, have started volunteering and playing games with the children.

They also want any student who might not have money or equipment to spare, but do have time and energy, to  join them.

The initiative is being coordinated by the University Jewish Chaplaincy.

Lemberger told Jewish News: “Tuesday was the first day we really worked with the children and the main response is: ‘Please come, this is amazing.’ The kids didn’t want us to go.

“As we were leaving a kid just came and hugged me, just because I was wearing the same blue shirt as all the amazing students who were with her all the time.”

Nadia Goldman, a student from Birmingham, said it was clear that the conflict had been especially tough on the children.

“These people had to get up and leave without anything. That’s why we’re here – to try to lift up their spirits, put a smile on their faces.”

Isaac Bencomo, who studies at the London School of Economics, said: “These kids are coming from a traumatic experience and it is very, very important to keep them entertained [and] distracted. So anything from Lego, to face paints to any kind of toys are essential to keep them busy and distracted from the situation.”

The delegation has set up an Instagram account under the handle @ujc.ukraine.delegation to help promote its work.

“We encourage students: if you have the time, if you have the will, to follow our Instagram, follow our posts and, if we have more delegations, please join,” Lemberger said. Goldman added: “It’s really important for everyone to understand the trauma that’s going on here. Coming here has been an incredible experience. The children were thanking us and the parents were so grateful that they could go off and make the calls they needed to make. If you’re able to get out here, I really, really encourage you to do so.”