(Washington, D.C., April 6, 2022)–B’nai B’rith Connect Chair Joshua Sushan, his mother, Victoria Sushan and aunt Olga Green, and B’nai B’rith Vice Chairman Brad Adolph, all from the Chicagoland area, spearheaded the collection and shipment of over 2,000 lbs. of humanitarian aid to Kharkiv, Ukraine. 
 
“This war in Ukraine is an absolute atrocity and our hearts go out to all of those suffering. B’nai B’rith Connect and our leaders are proud to play a small part in helping those in need. When one of our communities suffers, we all suffer,” Joshua Sushan said.  
 
Victoria Sushan, Joshua Sushan and Green coordinated the collection of aid in Chicago. Their family is originally from Kharkiv.  
 
“The work that Victoria and Olga have done to gather their community in support of another they belong to, an ocean away, is inspiring. I’m immensely proud of where my own family has come from and grateful for B’nai B’rith to be able to support such an important cause,” Joshua Sushan said. 
 
The aid includes medical supplies, wound and urgent care supplies, baby food and care products and pet food. Contributions from the B’nai B’rith Ukraine Assistance Fund, private donations from Joshua Sushan and Adolph, and contributions from the AEPi fraternity facilitated the shipment, which will go first to the Red Cross in Prague, then be delivered to Kharkiv. The supplies will be distributed by the city government to hospitals, synagogues, shelters, day care centers and other volunteer organizations.  
 
“I’m so honored to be part of an organization that is doing so much to help those individuals affected by this conflict and appreciate everything that Josh, Victoria and Olga did to obtain this donation of supplies,” Adolph said. 
 
B’nai B’rith is also working with aid teams in Ukraine and at various border crossings to assess and meet immediate and longer-term needs.  
 
Our Ukraine Assistance Fund is open for donations.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit bnaibrith.org.