After spending their winter break volunteering in Ukraine’s Jewish community, a group of Yeshiva University students decided to send their support and some Purim cheer to their friends in the troubled region. On Tuesday, March 11, students packed dozens of mishloach manot packages to ship to the Jewish community in Kharkov, Ukraine, in time for the upcoming holiday.

“We wanted to do something special for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters,” said Lauren Elefant, program coordinator at the Center for the Jewish Future, who led the January mission. “When we were in the Ukraine, they made us a part of their lives for a week, so we felt the need to show our love and support for them during this stressful period. By sending these mishloach manot packages we hope to enhance their Purim celebrations and continue the long-lasting friendships that we made.”