Empowering Tomorrow’s (and Today’s) Leaders: A Recap of Our Ukraine on Campus Stipend Program at ASEEES 2023

Published: December 15, 2023   

Against the backdrop of academia,  in particular, Slavic and Eastern European Studies reckoning with the need to decolonize and decenter Russian narratives in higher education, Razom’s Ukraine on Campus stipend program helped bring  five students  to the 55th annual convention of the Association for Slavic, East European, & Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) in Philadelphia, from November 30 – December 3. The selected students came from different backgrounds, academic concentrations, and connections to Ukraine, but each leveraged their attendance at the Convention to bring new energy and ideas to efforts around progressing the study of Ukraine and creating sustainable opportunities for engaging with Ukraine across U.S. university campuses. 

 

In addition to stipends, Ukraine on Campus created spaces where attendees could build community, find overlap in their work, and coordinate ways in which they can collaborate in their studies and academic careers. On top of the extensive ASEEES schedule, the project hosted a number of Ukraine on Campus engagements and promoted specific segments of the ASEEES program to help give stipend recipients, local students, and interested academics the opportunity to connect as they take on decolonizing their fields and championing the study of Ukraine.

Decolonizing the Academic Landscape: Ukraine at ASEEES

 

The ASEEES Convention provided a platform for 37 academics, researchers, and professors from Ukrainian institutions to present their work. Many other academics from around the United States and the world also attended to discuss their research on Ukraine. With a staggering 220 panels, roundtables, and other events featuring or including Ukraine, attendees were immersed in a rich tapestry of Ukrainian academia, literature, and film. Programming about Ukraine and by Ukrainians saw incredible turnout, with attendees sitting on floors and standing in hallways outside of the conference rooms to hear and engage with Ukrainian voices.

Who They Are: Ukraine on Campus Stipend Recipients

 

Five students, across all degree levels, were selected as stipend recipients:

  • William Ronald Debnam, Columbia University, pursuing a PhD in Ukrainian Studies and instructor of Elementary Ukrainian
  • Anastasiia Pereverten, University of Wyoming, pursuing a B.A. in International Studies
  • Viktoriia Savchuk, University of Maryland, pursuing a PhD in Communications
  • Oleksii Shebanov, Brown University, pursuing an A.B. in Intellectual History & Slavic Studies
  • Iryna Tofan, New York University, pursuing an MA  in Museum Studies

 

Razom also supported local students in engaging with the ASEEES 2023 program and attending academics, researchers, and voices on Ukraine. Through our programming, students were able to connect one-on-one with experts and community leaders such as Emily Channell-Justice, Serhii Plokhy, Olena Lennon, Bishop Borys Gudziak, Volodymyr Sheiko, Halyna Hryn, Vitaly Chernetsky, Sophia Wilson, and many other academics from Ukraine and beyond. Viktoriia also presented during 3 panels and stipend recipients were often the first to ask questions and engage in discourse in and around the panel discussions.

Victory Reads: Olena Stiazhkina

 

Another highlight of the convention was the collaboration between Razom and the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI). Razom, in partnership with HURI, organized a compelling book talk featuring Olena Stiazhkina, attracting  a full auditorium and showcasing the appetite for engaging discussions around Ukrainian contemporary literature. Stiazhkina, whose recent book tour in NYC Razom proudly amplified, discussed her two forthcoming books to be published in English in 2024:Ukraine, War, Love and Cecil the Lion Had to Die, which was translated with the support of Razom Translates. 

Local Spotlight: University of Pennsylvania

 

The Ukraine on Campus team, advisors, and stipend recipients had the opportunity to visit the University of Pennsylvania and join the Ukrainian Student Association at Penn for Ukrainian Tea Time on campus. Ukrainian Tea Time, hosted by professor of Ukrainian language, Kseniia Power, was an opportunity for cross-campus engagement between Ukrainian language instructors, student leaders on their respective campuses, and young academics studying Ukraine and interested in engaging with ASEEES to decolonize the field. 

Ukraine on Campus: Stipends & Beyond

 

Razom’s Ukraine on Campus project was pleased to offer travel stipends to students who were interested in attending this year’s ASEEES Convention. Travel grants were available to partially offset the costs of Convention attendance. The project, which features a directory of 60+ Ukrainian student groups across U.S. university campuses, is a developing initiative focused on connecting students interested in championing Ukraine and mobilizing the resources they need to activate their campuses in support of a Ukrainian victory. Its goal is to engage student activism both on campus and beyond through conferences, event tours, and more.

 

To support initiatives such as Ukraine on Campus as well as all the work that Razom is doing to support a secure, prosperous and democratic Ukraine, please donate HERE.

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Razom For Ukraine Announces New Advocacy Advisory Board Members

Published: December 8, 2023   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2023

Contact:
Nana Gongadze, Head of Advocacy Communications
nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org

 

 

Razom For Ukraine Welcomes New Advocacy Advisory Board Members

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom Advocacy, a program of Razom for Ukraine committed to advancing Ukrainian victory, announces the addition of three new members of its Advocacy Advisory Board. Composed of experienced leaders, the advisory board will guide the Razom Advocacy team as it seeks to ensure that Ukraine receives the tools it needs for a swift victory.

 

The three new members are:

  • Gen. Philip Breedlove (ret.), Former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe

  • Mark Levin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO,  National Coalition for Supporting Eurasian Jewry

  • Steven Moore, President, Ukraine Freedom Project

 

“We are thankful to these influential experts and executives for joining our Razom Advocacy Advisory Board. They bring decades of experience in the military, international politics, and the government, and have already done so much to help Ukraine at this critical time. Together, we will continue to work relentlessly to make sure Ukraine gets the resources it needs for victory,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy for Razom for Ukraine

 

Established in the United States in 2014, Razom strives to create a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom Advocacy was created in March 2022 as part of Razom’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, Razom has raised more than $100 million for emergency relief and psychological assistance to Ukrainian civilians, supplies and generators for medical facilities, tactical medicine and communications gear for the armed forces, and support for Ukrainian cultural projects. 

 

New members join the existing Razom Advocacy Advisory Board, which includes:

 

Dr. Anders Åslund, Senior Fellow at the Stockholm Free World Forum for Global Affairs 

Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs 

Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Victor J. Herlinsky, Jr., Attorney, Sills, Cummis & Gross

Yevhen Hlibovytsky, Partner, Pro.Mova Consulting

Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (ret.), Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe

The Honorable Tom Malinowski, Former Representative for New Jersey’s 7th District, U.S. House of Representatives 

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head, Center for Civil Liberties & 2022 Nobel Laureate

Nate Mook, Former CEO, World Central Kitchen

Nataliya Popovych, Founder & President, One Philosophy & WeAreUkraine 

Christina Walsh, Senior Director of Activism and Coalitions, Institute for Justice 

Diane Zeleny, Head of External Affairs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 

 

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For media inquiries or other questions, Nana Gongadze at nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org. 

 
 

“Waiting for Victory” – Children’s Art from Ukraine

Published: December 4, 2023   

 

This year, we received the most wonderful holiday gifts: seasonal art created for us by children whom Razom grantees serve in liberated and war torn areas of Ukraine, and those from all over the country who participated in the art contest “St. Nicholas Carries Victory to Ukrainian Children”. Over 800 drawings were submitted!

 

We are so pleased to share these samples and the winning entries with you in honor of their spirit and resilience. In spite

of a terrible invasion, children continue to be children:

imaginative and creative, inspiring us all.

 

On behalf of the entire global Razom team,

we wish you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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Diana,

6 years old,
Kramatorsk

 

Anaastasiya,

9 years old,
Bucha

Sophia,

13 years old,
Zaporizhiya

Arina,

6 years old,
Kyiv

Maria,

9 years old,
Zaporizhya

Zlata,

11 years old,
Tarasivka

Oleksandra,

5 years old,
Zaporizhya

Veronika,

9 years old,
Kosiv

Sophia,

12 years old,
Drabiv

Yehor,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Ihor,

8 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Makar,

7 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Xenia,

13 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Yevheniiy,

13 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Alisa,

6 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Matviy,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Hlib,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of the entire global Razom team,

we wish you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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Restoring Hope: Razom’s Co-Pilot Project Brings VNS Therapy to Ukraine

Published: November 30, 2023   

In the fight against epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, the Co-Pilot Project, an initiative under the auspices of Razom Health, has emerged as a beacon of hope for children in Ukraine. Through a generous grant from LivaNova, the leading producer of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) systems, Co-Pilot has brought this life-changing therapy to Ukraine, offering a lifeline to children whose seizures have proven resistant to conventional treatment methods.

 

The Power of VNS Therapy

VNS therapy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, involves implanting a small device called a neurostimulator under the skin, connected to the vagus nerve. This nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including seizure activity. The neurostimulator sends mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, helping to reduce seizure frequency and severity.

VNS is currently most commonly used for children who have partial seizures that do not respond to traditional interventions.

 

In Lviv, Ukraine, Mykhailo Lovga, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery  at the First Medical Union, has successfully implemented the VNS system, bringing relief to six epileptic children. The first two surgeries, for Oleksandra from Mykolaiv and Denys from Dnipro, have been resounding successes.

Denys, a 9-year-old boy, has battled epilepsy since the age of three. Despite numerous medications and brain surgery, his seizures persisted. VNS therapy has offered him a renewed chance to live a normal life. Within three weeks of the operation, Denys has experienced a significant reduction in seizure activity.

In Kyiv, Konstantin Kostiuk, MD, PHD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute, has introduced VNS therapy to a 10-year-old boy named Roman. Roman’s epilepsy, characterized by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, has proven resistant to conventional treatments, including over ten anti-seizure medications and a ketogenic diet. VNS therapy represents another ray of hope for Roman, and the team is anticipating positive outcomes in the coming months.

The Co-Pilot Project’s success in implementing VNS therapy in Ukraine is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation. Working closely with local medical experts, Co-Pilot has ensured that these life-changing treatments reach the children who need them most.

Your support is crucial in enabling Co-Pilot to continue its work of providing life-changing medical care to children in Ukraine. Please consider donating to Razom and help us bring hope to those who need it most.

Together, we can make a difference.

Learn more about and support the Co-Pilot Project and Razom Health.

Investing in Ukraine’s Future: Razom’s Commitment to Education and Innovation

Published: November 29, 2023   

Razom is proud to support  education in Ukraine. We are passionate about investing in the country’s talented youth, the future generation of professionals set to lead with innovation, drive positive change, and contribute to global advancements.

Recently, Razom sponsored the first, in-person school of mathematics for students in grades 1-6 and 10th grade, held in the Kyiv region at the end of October. This one-week event brought together 80 participants and featured not only intensive math sessions but also master classes, talent shows, chess tournaments and sports activities.

In the words of one participant, the atmosphere created by the teachers made math irresistible.. Onsite math schools are vital, providing face-to-face learning that fosters stronger connections and faster progress compared to remote alternatives.

 

The event was organized by Tsyfra, one of Kyiv’s finest math clubs dedicated to providing supplementary mathematical education and nurturing scientific thinking among primary and secondary students. With  disciplines like math, mathematical logic, physics/natural science and chess, Tsyfra  educates  through study groups, emphasizing problem-solving via lectures, seminars, games, and theoretical analyses.

 

The center’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through consistently high results in various Olympiads and competitions, as students continue to excel, even amidst the challenges of war.

At Razom, our mission is to continue fostering democracy and prosperity in Ukraine, and we believe supporting education is a key, long term strategy to manifest this purpose. We proudly recognize the dedicated teachers shaping the minds of Ukrainian children, and the students who persevere in their studies. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our amazing sponsors, whose generosity makes these programs possible. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in Ukraine.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program, of which Razom Ticket is a part. 

NEW YORK JETS ANNOUNCE RAZOM FOR UKRAINE AS RECIPIENT OF AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 FOR UKRAINIAN RELIEF EFFORTS

Published: November 27, 2023   

Part of $1,000,000 commitment from the Jets

The New York Jets have donated an additional $100,000 to benefit Razom for Ukraine. The donation is part of the organization’s $1 million commitment, to be split between various organizations, to help aid the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Previous donations of $100,000 were given to Razom for Ukraine, Plast Scouting, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, UNITED24, CityServe, Slow Beskid & Children’s Paths, Nova Ukraine and Revived Soldiers Ukraine.

In 2022 and 2023, Razom distributed more than $80 million in donated funds to over 150 organizations in Ukraine that provide aid and services to frontline and liberated areas that supply basic needs such as food, power, medicine, first aid kits and water filtration systems. Additional and ongoing support includes providing winterization materials to individuals along with the scaling up tactical medicines and supplies for field medics, evacuation vehicles, tourniquets, portable medical scanners, and mobile shower units for frontline defenders.

The events in Ukraine are personal to the Johnson family and the New York Jets.  Suzanne Johnson, wife of Mr. Johnson, grew up in a Ukrainian neighborhood in New York and is from a family of immigrants.  Her mother, Marie, was born to Ukrainian immigrant parents while her father, Stefan Ircha, is from Ternopil, a town outside of Kyiv, and immigrated to the United States after WWII.  

For more information about the charitable organizations that have received the donations, please visit https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/ukraine-relief.

About Jets Foundation

We create impactful programming that leaves lasting legacies for our community. Initiatives funded by the New York Jets Foundation positively influence the lives of young people in the tri-state area and provide opportunity for disadvantaged communities.

About Razom for Ukraine

Razom for Ukraine (Razom) was founded in 2014 and is one of the leading US-based nonprofits dedicated to the mission of supporting a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. With a robust international network of volunteers and partners, Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, provides humanitarian aid, and administers programs and services focused on health, advocacy, civil society and culture. Razom advances its mission by creating spaces where people meet, partner and do, while maintaining a relentless focus on the needs on the ground in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Razom for Ukraine has grown to include over 200,000 donors and volunteers. Website: www.razomforukraine.org.

 

Contact: Meghan Gilmore (973) 549-4684

Photo: Greg Kupchynsky 

Celebrating Ukrainian Culture: Highlights from the New York Ukrainian Cultural Festival

Published: November 22, 2023   

Celebrating Ukrainian Culture: Highlights from the New York Ukrainian Cultural Festival

 

This year’s inaugural festival, founded by Razom in partnership with Yara Arts, the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the Ukrainian Institute of America, took place from November 7 – 19 in New York City. It was dedicated to the memory of renowned Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who tragically lost her life this past June when Kramatorsk was attacked.

 

“We decided to hold a cultural festival in New York to preserve her memory and the cause she was passionate about, the New York Literary Festival that she founded. Amplifying Ukrainian voices and cultural diplomacy here in the States are core principles of Razom’s mission, which we wanted to advance with this initiative. In general, over a thousand people connected with the festival, many of whom were not Ukrainian,” shared Razom Board member, Maria Genkin.

 

Various cultural events took place in Manhattan during the festival that focused on Ukrainian literature, music and cinema.


“We included a diverse range of films, opening with ‘Dovbush’ and hosting a packed evening with a selection of short films, concluding with ‘Pamfir’ receiving a standing ovation,” explained Polina Buchak, film curator at Razom.

Four events were dedicated to Ukrainian poetry. Poets Alex Averbukh, Boris and Lyudmila Khersonsky, and Iya Kiva read their poetry in the original, while translators or actors read in English. In events produced by Yara Arts Group, poetry from the Executed Renaissance generation of writers, Victoria Amelina, and Serhiy Zhadan, was featured.

In addition, the New York Public Library hosted a meeting with Ukrainian writers. Andrii Kurkov, Oksana Lutsyshyna, and Olena Styazhkina presented their novels published in America this year to over a hundred readers who attended.

During the festival, the public discovered the music of Sergei Bortkiewicz. Musicians Anna Shelest, Pavlo Hintov, and Oleksandr Chaplynsky performed works by this little-known composer born in Kharkiv at the end of the 19th century. 

 

Throughout the festival, organizers raised funds for Amelina’s beloved “New York Literary Festival”. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped organize this extraordinary celebration of Ukrainian culture and to all who attended!

 

 

Stay tuned for more exciting events! To support Razom: https: razomforukraine.org/donate

Rebuilding Together: Sturdy Roofs for Winter

Published: November 16, 2023   

Russia’s full-scale invasion left the Kharkiv and Kherson regions, including villages like Prudianka, Tsypivka, Brazhkivka, and Mala Komyshuvakha, along with the city of Izium, deeply scarred. With winter approaching, damaged roofs leave homes vulnerable to the elements. Recognizing the urgent need for shelter before winter, Razom under the auspices of our Relief Program, provided grants to Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine, to undertake the crucial task of rebuilding roofs.

 

Over the past 6 months, these communities bore the brunt of extensive damage: 90% of buildings destroyed, direct hits from unexploded ordnance, and the aftermath of shelling and explosive waves. Basic necessities became a luxury, with villages located up to 30 kilometers away from major roads, rendering them practically inaccessible. With shops, pharmacies, schools, and hospitals non-operational, the challenges were immense.

 

Despite these adversities, the resilient spirit of the people prevailed, and many chose to return to their villages post-de-occupation. However, the issue of housing reconstruction remained unaddressed, leaving damaged houses vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions. Mold, deteriorating ceilings, and cracked walls served as poignant reminders of the pressing need for immediate action.

United in purpose, Razom together with Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine have set their focus on repairing roofs and installing windows, with a clear goal: to secure homes before the unforgiving winter sets in. This ongoing project, now one and a half months underway, extends its reach to both the rural villages and the city of Izium, where over 100 private houses suffered significant damage.

Numbers Tell the Story:

Volonterska UA

People Helped: 151 individuals

Houses Restored: 30

People Still to Help: 10 families, 20 individuals (including 2 children)

 

Nove Misto

Targeted Houses: 24

People to Help: 45 individuals

 

World foundation for Ukraine

Targeted Houses: 12

 

The project is advancing steadily. Purchasing materials and completing repairs will span the next three  months, ensuring the job is done thoroughly. Together, we’re not just rebuilding roofs; we’re restoring hope and resilience to the heart of Kharkiv and Kherson.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future: Razom and the Holodomor90 Campaign

Published: November 13, 2023   

This year, as the global Ukrainian community marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, Razom for Ukraine, has joined with Holodomor90, “an anti-genocide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and commemorating” the man-made famine that killed an untold number of Ukrainians from 1932-1933.

Holodomor is the Ukrainian word for “death by hunger”. Millions of Ukrainians are estimated to have perished this way as a result of Soviet forced, agricultural collectivization policies endorsed and executed by the dictator Josef Stalin, intended to slowly and systematically starve people and eradicate a nation. 

Alongside a host of other mission-aligned partners based in North America, we are working on the stated objectives of raising awareness about this historical trauma so as to never forget, paying tribute to the victims and calling for official designation of the Holodomor as a genocide. 

The Holodomor90 campaign culminates on Holodomor Memorial Day (the annual day of remembrance, every fourth Friday in November). This year, on November 25th, activists and allies alike are urged to light candles – an action known as запали свічку – in memory of the victims. 

Here is how you, dear Razom supporter, can participate:

Sign the Petition for U.S. Genocide Designation

A petition on Change.org has been launched urging U.S. President Biden to issue a proclamation declaring the Holodomor a genocide. The goal is to obtain at least 25,000 signatures by Holodomor Memorial Day 2023. It would be a historic first for a U.S. president to bestow such a designation. 

Mykola Murskyj, Razom’s Director of Advocacy said, “As Ukraine faces aggression from the Kremlin once again, it is paramount that the United States officially acknowledges that the Holodomor was a genocide. This historical recognition is an essential step in preventing such atrocities from happening in the future.”

Write a Blog

The Holodomor90 campaign invites writers of various disciplines and perspectives to contribute to the Holodomor literary space by submitting blog posts. Areas of expertise include: Survivor Stories, Historical Analysis, Research Insights, Artistic Expression, Holodomor Educational Resources, Reflections and Commentary.

#ShineALight

The #ShineALight campaign encourages individuals and groups to post “selfie” images or videos to their social media during the month of November. In these videos, participants can share their thoughts on why it is important to recognize the Holodomor as a genocide and express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Purchase a Holodomor Sunflower Candle

The Sunflower Holodomor candle, created by Razom’s generous corporate partner Door County Candle Co., is now available on its website  www.doorcountycandle.com.The candle comes in a 16 oz. jar and features a sunflower yellow wax with a vanilla scent. It  stands as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity with those who suffered and 100% of the profits from the candle will be donated to Razom for Ukraine

Hold or Join a Candlelight Vigil 

On Saturday, November 25, 2023, candlelight vigils will be held worldwide to honor the victims of the Holodomor. Joining a vigil near you is a meaningful way to pay tribute to those who perished and to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community.

Inspire the Future!

By participating in the #ShineALight movement, attending candlelight vigils, and supporting other Holodomor awareness initiatives, we can collectively honor the memory of those lost during the Holodomor and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Together, we can illuminate this dark chapter in history and inspire a brighter future for Ukraine.

Razom and Partners Welcome Delegation from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations

Published: November 8, 2023   

Header image: Delegation with Senator Chuck Grassley 

Razom, in cooperation with Nova Ukraine, HTX4UKRAINE and MedGlobal, recently hosted a delegation of distinguished religious leaders from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) for advocacy programming in Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas. 

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) was established in 1996 as an interdenominational institution, aiming to unite the efforts of various denominations to focus on the spiritual revival of Ukraine, coordination of interconfessional dialogue in Ukraine and abroad, participation in a legislative process on church-state issues, and the implementation of comprehensive charitable actions. It is one of the largest nonprofits in Ukraine and represents over 95% of religious communities in Ukraine, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings with U.S. government officials, church counterparts, local communities, and media outlets, while also attending a range of public events. 

The delegation shared information and perspectives on the state of religious freedoms in Ukraine and highlighted Russia’s disinformation efforts. They also exchanged insights with their U.S. counterparts, shedding light on how Ukrainian religious communities have responded to Russia’s invasion and the profound impact of Russia’s aggression on religious life within Ukraine. 

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Highlights included:

  • An interfaith panel with the Atlantic Council at the US Institute for Peace, moderated by Marie Yovanovitch, former Ambassador to Ukraine, followed by a USIP private roundtable.
  • A meeting at the State Department with Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain
  • A panel discussion at Hudson Institute moderated by Nina Shea
  • Meeting with USAID, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Senator Chuck Grassley, the Heritage Foundation, ADAMS Center, the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry and more
  • A meeting with Commissioner Eric Ueland and Ex. Dir. Erin Singshinsuk at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
  • A trip to the White House for a meeting with Kelly Razzouk, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy
  • A conversation with the American Jewish Committee, hosted by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston
  • A special Ukraine Gratitude Dinner in Houston hosted by Ecclesia Houston Christian Community, featuring Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

 

The visit highlighted the unity and diversity of Ukrainian religious communities in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and gave the leaders a chance to spread their message to a wider audience through interviews with the press. 

Press coverage highlights include:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners and friends for engaging with the UCCRO delegation last week and helping us organize this trip!