Ukrainian Refugee Children Find Respite at Poland Chabad Retreat

This August, more than 200 Ukrainian Jewish refugees enjoyed a two-week respite from the trauma of life in their war-torn homeland, as Chabad of Poland hosted them for a summer retreat focused on allowing children and their parents a break from life in a war zone. Participants hailed from the Ukrainian cities of Kamianske, Sumy, Kremenchuk, Dnipro and Kyiv.

The retreat—which operated out of a Warsaw-area hotel—went to great lengths to address the unique needs of the participants. Staff members were all fluent in Ukrainian, and the regular cohort of staff were supplemented by therapists and counselors to help the refugees, especially children, navigate the trauma they have endured.

Daily activities ranged from field trips and crafts to music and baking classes. The refugees—many of whom have had precious little access to formal Jewish education—also received a rich spiritual experience, celebrating Shabbat and joining Torah classes.

“Ukrainian refugees still face enormous day-to-day challenges,” said Chabad of Poland Director Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler. In addition to providing a physical and mental break from life in a war zone, Stambler said, the camp brings opportunities to bolster their Jewish faith and pride.  “For these children, summer offers a special opportunity to engage in informal education that emphasizes Jewish identity, heritage, values and customs in an engaging and comprehensive way.”