Donetsk volunteers!

Coordinators:

Yulia Zharikova, 21 years-old. By education- BA in logic. Leader of the JFC youth club. I actively participate in Jewish community life. I graduated from the seminar Metsudah in 2007. I am addicted to Yiddish dance. I want to participate in the Cornell volunteer project because I love meeting new people; I am very interested in foreign cultures and an exchange of experiences.


Dasha Kozlova. 21 years-old. Student in her fourth year at the Donetsk National University. Coordinator of the project Do Good, Ukraine! in the Donetsk region. I passed through Metsudah: in 2008 as a participant, in 2009 as a madrichah. I adore Odessa and theme parties. I am very demanding of myself; I don’t like to do anything badly. In addition to my desire to improve my English and make new acquaintances, the Cornell mission is for me the possibility to exchange volunteer experiences, which helps me greatly in work.


Participants:

My name is Zhenia Markevich. Date of birth: 10/26/1980. I work as a blood oncologist at the Regional Tramatorium of Donetsk. I adore motorcycles and everything related to speed. My dream is to buy a sporty motorcycle and tear up the Donetsk Highway. I haven’t participated in Jewish life for a very long time, but I’m crazy about it. I like to spend time with young Jews. The volunteer project Do Good, Ukraine! Interests me and I already arranged my records in order to provide free consultations to whoever desires them. I want to participate in the Cornell mission because for me, this is a beautiful experience to meet with new people and also because I want to do something good for Hesed.


Lika Shkarupa. 7/14/1991. I am studying international economic and business management and psychology. I have been synchronized swimming for seven years; I earned the top adult rank. For four years in the community I have attended the program “Stars” and various JFC events. I want to participate in this mission because I’m interested in communicating with contemporaries from other countries. This is, after all, so cool! I hope that we have a good time and will be of use to Hesed.


Dmitry Anatolevich Neizmailov. 2/11/1985. A native of the city Artyomovsk, in 2000 I finished 9th in my class from PS No. 12. From 2000 to 2004 I studied at the Artyomovsk Industrial Technikum, specializing in “Mounting and servicing of electric equipment of industrial enterprises and civil installations.” I currently work as a lawyer. I take a great interest in light athletics, motor and yacht sports, parachuting, and bungee jumping. I am a ranked as a “sport” and “sand” yachter. I don’t drink alcohol, and I don’t smoke. I have a medium level of English.

With respect, Dmitry


Zhora Khamuza. 20 years-old. Second-year student in the biology department. I love to roller skate, and I play block-flight. I am always glad to meet new people and I try hard to maintain an active position in life – to not be indifferent to others’ problems and to the people around me. I joined the community relatively recently—it all started with Metsudah and the volunteer project “Do Good, Ukraine!” I would like to spend several days with American students because that will be not only interesting for me, but also useful for Hesed.


Name: Masha Shumyatzkaya. Age: 18 years-old. Education: second-year student at the Donetsk National Technical University, specializing in geoinformative systems and technologies. Activities: volunteer with project Do Good, Ukraine!, From Heart to Heart, activist in the Jewish community, participant in Metsudah. About myself: I am afraid to fly in an airplane, and I drink tea and coffee without sugar. I am participating in this project firstly for the pleasure of getting to know new people and also in order to improve my English.


My name is Irina Leshchinskaya. I am 26 years-old. Already as a student at the pedagogical university, I began working as an English teacher in school, which is what I will continue to do after I receive my diploma. In my free time, when not at work, I actively participate in young Jewish life. Right now I am part of Metsudah and, together with other students, am preparing a project, which will begin working already in September, 2009, as part of the JFC youth club. I am happy to participate repairing Hesed Donetsk; additionally, it will be a pleasure to interact with Jewish youth from another country. I will be very glad to help with translating, if necessary!

Respectfully,
Ira


Vitaliy Sergeyevich Lytzenko. Date of birth: October 1, 1988. City: Donetsk, Ukraine. Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English. Family situation: I have not engaged in marriage. Education: Donetsk Polytechnical Tekhnikum (servicing computers and intelligent systems and networks), will be completed in 2007. Right now I am in a work-study program at DonNTU FVTI (Computer systems and networks). I lead an active way of life, consisting of varied youth organizations. I love extreme; for example, I bungee jump from a height of 45 meters. I want to take part in this meeting in order to meet new and interesting people.


Anna Pryadko, 19 years-old. Student at Donetsk National University in the biology department. Volunteer with project “Do Good, Ukraine!” I love music, design, and poetry. I want to participate in this project because I love to get to know interesting people.


My name is Sasha Zarakhovich, I’m 18 years-old, and I’m studying at the university to be an auditor. I really love 80s music, Elvis, the Beatles, and Abba. I consider myself a very fun guy. Regarding my place in the Jewish community, I go to synagogue on holidays, to the program Stars, and to the youth club. I wanted to participate because I love the community, I’m interested in how people from other countries live, and I want to know their interests. It’ll just be a good time.


Yana Feiganova, 6/13/1986. Education: Donetsk National University, economics department, specializing in international economics from 2003-2008. While in university, I took an additional educational course, “Teacher Organizers.” Participated in MASA’s “Preparatory Program for Young Leaders in Jewish Countries of the Former Soviet Union” in 2006. Currently a student of psychology at the Donetsk Institute SO, 2008-2010. Languages: a little Hebrew, a little French, conversational English. Activities: I volunteer with the organization “Do Good, Ukraine!” About myself: I enjoy life.  I want to participate in the Cornell mission because I’m interested in meeting new people.


Andrei Shevchenko. I’m 25. By education, I’m a programmer; in life, an entrepreneur. I take active part in Jewish community life. I love to read historical literature and I collect flags of different countries in original size. Right now I am studying English and I think this volunteer experience will prove useful to me.


Anya Yurevna Saprykina, 8/29/1988. I am a lawyer; I studied law at Donetsk National University in the Department of Economics and Law. I volunteer in various forms in the community. I want to gain additional experience conversing with people from out of the country. I am ready to participate in this project for the language practice, to more comfortably converse in English.


My name is Roma Grabezhev (July 19, 1988). I recently received my bachelor’s degree in economic sciences (specializing in international economics). I have been a regular in the community only recently, but now I do my best not to let even one interesting event in Jewish life pass me by. And at every event I conduct journalistic filming. I hope that my accomplishments and skills will be useful for the Cornell mission. Well, that’s all, I daresay. I only add that I have volunteer experience with project “Do Good, Ukraine!” and with a Ukrainian-Polish project. I am very interested in meeting with interesting students from Cornell!


Additional volunteers:

Masha Bkyndu. 22 years-old. BA in economical science. I graduated the seminar Metsudah in 2008. I write poetry. I am interested in making new acquaintances, and for them I want to better my English, since I will be volunteering together with American students.


Taya Pantyushenko. 16 years-old. Future student at the medical university. Volunteer with the project Do Good, Ukraine! I pursue fashion business. I want to take part in this project because I am looking for new impressions.


My name is Zhenia Dombrovskaya, and I’m 18 years-old. I study managing. Among my passions, I can name dancing, which I have practiced already for 14 years. I have been a part of the Jewish community since kindergarten. I went to Jewish day school, and now I frequent the program “Stars.” I want to participate in this mission because I absolutely love the interacting with people.


Ilya Anatolevich Rokun. 12/19/1987. Fifth-year student at Donetsk National University, specializing in international economics. I participate in sports (soccer, tennis, curling), and I’m wild about artistic photographs. I love hanging out with pleasant people, big groups, active relaxation, and my parents. I attend the Donetsk Jewish club. I hope to have tons of unforgettable impressions from this program, make new acquaintances, and on my end do everything I possibly can to make sure the program is completely successful.

Samantha (Sam) Tal

Hello old friends and new friends! My name is Sam and I cannot wait to return to the Ukraine this summer. I am going to be a junior at Cornell majoring in Business. I love to sing and dance, to swim, listen to music, learn new and fascinating things and have fun with my friends.
I am truly excited to return this summer because of how eye-opening the experience was last year. The new people I met and the things that I learned, made me, like other trip members last summer, wanna help pass it on to more Cornellians :). So at Cornell we started the JDC@Cornell which helped us plan and raise awareness for this trip. And now once more I can say "see you in the Ukraine!"

Three new Hillel amigos

My name is Sasha Sokol (which means falcon in Russian). I am 19 years old. Right now i am in progress of pursuing BA degree in Accounting in YU, which located in NYC, NY, USA. I like to meet new people of any color, religion, race, or ethnicity, but my hobby is Jews. I was a vice-president of the Russian Club in Yeshiva University. I want to take part in this mission because of the fact that I am willing to make a difference.


Kirill ”Fat Boy” Matuhno. Age: 18. Graduated from high-school. Loves athletics, nice women, and guitar. Last year took part in ASB project in Dneprodzerzhinsk. People say about me: “Fat Boy is a guy who always takes positive with him.” Alternative Summer Break 2009 is a chance for me to exchange positive memories. And I hope you’ll take them back to the US.


David Tahterin. Date of birth: 21.05.1984. Leader of program STARS (Student Torah Alliance For Russian Speakers). Manager of purchase in governmental company. Leader of Kabalat Shabbat program. Graduated from chemical-technological University (Degree in Pharmacy). I want to take part in this project in order to meet new people and to get knowledge about Jewish life in the US.

Dana Lipperman

Hi everyone!
My name is Dana Lipperman. I'm 22 years old and from Westchester County, New York. I recently graduated from Cornell where I majored in Biometry and Statistics. In the fall, I'll be moving to New York City where I will be starting a job as an actuary. In my free time I love to sing and play guitar, and I was in an all-female a cappella group at Cornell for the last 4 years. I have never been outside the US before, so I am really excited to be volunteering in Ukraine in only a week! I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture, and I especially can't wait to meet everybody. See you all soon! Dana

Lauren Cohan

Hey everyone! My name is Lauren Cohan, and I'm returning member of the group from Cornell last year! I am 20 years old from Syosset, New York and am studying labor relations at Cornell. Last year was a life-changing experience, and I can't wait to go again, see my old friends, and observe the change that has occurred in Dnepropetrovsk over the past year. In the past year, JDC at Cornell has successfully hosted events like Vodka and Latkes and two Ukrainian Shabbats to help raise money for the Adopt-A-Babushka Campaign. I look forward to watching a new group of Cornell students be inspired by the JDC in Ukraine.

Carolyn Spiro

Hi guys!
My name's Carolyn and I am going to be a junior this year at Cornell studying Human Development. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York which is where I have spent the summer working at a finance office as well as substitute teaching at a school for hearing-impaired pre-school kids. I'm very interested in clinical psychology and plan to obtain a doctorate degree after I graduate. I love to travel and I am so excited to visit Dnepropetrovsk and to meet you all! I have never been to Eastern Europe before (which is where most of my family came from) so I am really looking forward to experiencing Ukrainian culture and seeing new things.

Also feel free to e-mail me before the trip- my e-mail is Cns38@cornell.edu

Can't wait! See you all in a week.

Rachel Harris

Hi!
My name is Rachel Harris, and I’m 21 years old. I’m originally from Westchester County, which is just outside of New York City. I graduated from Cornell in May with a degree in Human Development and Spanish, and in the fall, I’m going to law school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Some interesting facts about me: I love acting & performing, running, sushi, Thai food, hot sauce, and horseback riding. I also love traveling and going on adventures- I spent my junior year studying abroad in Seville, Spain, and after Dnepropetrovsk, I’m flying directly to Israel!

I can’t wait to meet all of you and learn about your culture and interests. Feel free to email me before the trip! Rachel.Harris23@gmail.com

See you soon!
Rachel

Lindsey Cohen

Hi everybody! My name is Lindsey. I'm 19 and I'm from New Jersey. I'm going to be a sophomore at Cornell studying atmospheric sciences. Some things I enjoy are running, sushi, thunderstorms, and volunteer work. I'm really excited to go to Ukraine in two weeks. Not only have I never been overseas before, but I can't wait to make a difference, explore the country, and meet everybody and learn about life in Ukraine! I can't wait to meet you all really soon.

Alison Drais

Hi everyone! Im so excited to be a part of my first ever "blog experience"
Im really not sure what one writes about on a blog. I guess I'll start by
saying that I'm graduating from Cornell this semester with a degree in
animal science and education. I really have no plans after that, but I
know I dont want to grow up and go out into the "real world". Maybe Ill
just go to school some more. Im an VERY excited about the upcoming trip
to the Ukraine and to be a part of another great Jewish service trip. I
went to Argentina last spring break and made some great connections and
did some awesome projects for a community and I cant wait to do the same
in another area of the world. Anyway, I guess thats all Ill say about
myself for now...cant wait to meet everybody! See you soon! Alyson

Hello everyone!! My name is Laura Santacrose. I’m 20 years old and from Albany, New York. I’m going to be a junior this year at Cornell studying Human Development and Global Health. In my free time I LOVE to watch movies, listen to music, dance, volunteer and travel! I also love trivia and learning random, interesting facts! I am very excited to be working on this project and I am looking forward to meeting everyone!

Hi! My name's Yuliya Shteynberg. I'm going to be a sophomore studying psychology. I speak Russian at home, and I can't wait to brush up on my skills this August! :) Also, I'm excited to visit my homeland and getting to meet some awesome new people!

С нетерпением жду встречи с вами всемии надеюсь, что прекрасно проведу время с новыми друзьями!

Привет из Нью-Йорка!

Hi!

My name's Rebecca Hirschfeld. I'm 19 and am from New York City. I'm studying government and Russian at Cornell. Among many things I enjoy doing, I especially love movies, traveling, learning languages, and meeting people from all over the world. I am so glad to be given an opportunity to help support the Jewish community in Dnepro.  I am also very excited to meet everyone, to experience a new culture, and to try to practice my Russian! :)

See you all in a few weeks! 

Privyet from Cornell!

Hi Everyone!

August is just around the corner, which means we are getting closer & closer to the start of our next expedience in Dnepro! This summer a new group of us from Cornell University (and some veterans from Year One) will make our way to Ukraine, and we are so excited! It's great to see everyone on this blog - We can't wait to meet you in person in less than three weeks!


A bit more about us: Like you, we are also a group of different individuals who all care about volunteering & making a difference. We grew up in different cities (like New York City & Washington DC) before moving upstate to Ithaca, New York to go to Cornell University, and we have volunteered across New York, North America, and even in Argentina. And yes, A few of us volunteered in Ukraine last year and can't wait to return!

Within our group we have students who are studying everything from Labor Laws and the Science of Human Behavior to French and Psychology. Among us are Jazz musicians, Latin and Israeli dancers, Sorority sisters and Sports buffs. Many of us have been to and love Israel (anyone from Dnepro go on Birthright January 2008?!?) We are also all involved in Hillel in our own way.

We are literally counting down the days until we meet you and start our Ukrainian adventure together. Can't wait to see you soon!

2009 Dnepropetrovsk Administrators

Olga Tovkach. Age: 30. Director of Hillel for 2 years. Work for JDC before becoming Hillel director. MA of Economics. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2003. Fact about myself: “I am a professional Ukrainian ethnic dancer; I like Israeli and Latin dances.” “I am taking part in this project because Tikkun Olam is the main task for Jews all over the world, as well as for me.”

Lidiya Kuzicheva. Manager of trainigs in Dnepro Community Centre, specialist of logictics, and administrator of this project. Worked in the Jewish community for 14 years.

Fact about myself: I graduated from Dnepropetrovsk National University. I like to communicate with people and to make new acquaintances.








Elena Vodolazskaya. Age: 31. I was a student of the Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine, worked as a madrichah in the youth club at the Israeli Cultural Center, and taught Jewish traditions at Sunday School. In 2001 I came to JDC, where I worked for four years, before taking a break to give birth to two wonderful children (Edik, 3.5 years old, and Anya, 1.5 years old). In 2008 I again returned to JDC. Now I coordinate the Jewish renewal directive. I am especially interested in this volunteer project because I love to do good deeds to help people, to arrange large organizational events, and to spend time around Jewish youth.

That's all. :)

Michelle Arkow. Age: 23. JDC Jewish Service Corps volunteer to Dnepropetrovsk. Graduated in 2008 with a BA in Spanish (yes, Spanish-- really useful in Dnepropetrovsk, I can assure you) from Yale University. Fact about myself: I love Ukrainian food. Also, for a slightly more serious fact, I will (hopefully!) be working as a family case worker in Boston in October.

Get to know your Dnepropetrovsk Hillel amigos!

Il’ya Svidler. Age: 22. Student of Hillel for about 6 years. Activist, fond of video and photography, massage. Fact about myself: “I love Hillel girls!” Study in Dnepropetrovsk National University (Department of Cinema and Photography). “I want to take part in this project because I’m Jewish and I want to make Jewish community in Ukraine better. I also speak good English.”

Yulia Frontovskaya. Age: 23. Student of Hillel for the first year. Volunteer. Fact about myself: “I am fond of history.” Study in Dnepropetrovsk Building Academy. “I want to take part in this project because I would like to communicate with foreign Hillel students.”

Vova Kudryashov. Age: 21. Student of Hillel for 6 years. Work in Hillel as a coordinator of development programs. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2008. Fact about myself: “I am the only vegetarian in Hillel Dnepr.” Study in Dnepropetrovsk National University (Department of Systems and Means of Mass Communication). “I take part in this project because I want to make friendship with Cornell Hillel students, to practice my English and of course because I work at Hillel.”

Nastya Melamed. Age: 19. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Active volunteer in “Shabat Shaulhan Aruh” project. “Taglit Winter 2009” graduate. Fact about myself: “I was a participant of ASB project last year.” “I want to take part in this project because I want to help guys from the US to volunteer in Ukrainian Jewish Community and to show Cornell Hillel students the culture of Ukraine.”

Evgeniy Kogan. Age: 22. Student of Hillel since 2000. Technical administrator of Hillel Dnepr. Leader of “Betar” in Dnepropetrovsk. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2006. Fact about myself: “I can see music.” Graduated from College of Metal Welding in Dnepropetrovsk. Student of Dnepropetrovsk National University (Department of Physics, Electronics and Computer Systems). “I want to take part in this project because I love to spend my time with use and fun.”

Daniil Lytvyn. Age: 18. Student of Hillel Dnepr for 2 years. Work in Hillel Dnepr as a PR coordinator. “Taglit Winter 2009” graduate. Fact about myself: “I celebrated my last year birthday in New York City. I hope we will celebrate it together in Ukraine.” I study in Dnepropetrovsk National University (Department of Economics). “I took part in ASB project last year. I want to do this again because it’s a great chance to exchange experience with foreign students, to do good for Jewish life and to make strong friendship between Cornell and Dnepr Hillel students.”

Tolik Aleksandrov. Age: 22. Student of Hillel for 3 years. Volunteer of Hillel Dnepr. As volunteer work with children with paralysis. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2006. Fact about myself: “I like to draw, I don’t like to sing, I try to be jolly.” Study in Dnepropetrovsk College of Sport (Department of Thai Boxing). “I want to take part in this project to show American students Ukrainian culture.”

Anna Sokolenko. Age: 23. Student of Hillel for 1 year. Volunteered in Youth Shabaton as Madrich. Fact about myself: “I have been dancing since 6 years old.” “I want to take part in this project because this is my first experience of volunteering with foreign students.”

Oleg Glezer. Age: 20. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Activist, volunteer. Fact about myself: “I am member of unofficial soccer fan club. I love sport and music.” Graduated from Dnepropetrovsk Jewish School. “I would like to take part in this project because it’s always interesting to communicate with young people from different countries and to volunteer together.”

Lea Kudrina. Age: 29. Student of Hillel for 11 years. Work in Hillel Dnepr as administrator. “Taglit summer 2007” graduate. Fact about myself: “I’ve got awards in swimming.” Graduated from University of Folk Medicine. “I would like to take part in this project to meet new people and to provide administrative part of this project.”

Yulia Gorbunova. Age: 24. Student of Hillel for 7 years. Taglit coordinator of Hillel more than 4 years. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2005. Fact about myself: “I love to sing and I’m a head of Hillel vocal studio.” Yulia has two higher educations (Jewelry and Journalism). “I take part in this project because I realized how great this project is during last year ASB. I believe that this project helps in development both Jewish Community and Hillel students.”

Yana Vilenskaya. Age: 20. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Activist and madrich, provide own project- “Cinema”. Graduated Jewish Young Leadership Program “Metsuda” in 2008. Fact about myself: “I am master of sport in shooting.” Study in Dnepropetrovsk University of Economics and Law (Department of Psychology). “I take part in this project to change experience with American students in area of young Jewish leadership.”

Dmitriy Kovalenko. Age: 20. Student of Hillel for 1 year. Activist. Fact about myself: “I’m crazy physicist.” Study in Dnepropetrovsk National University (Department of Biophysics). “I want to take part in this project to exchange experience with Cornell Hillel students.”

Sergey Tsypkin. Age: 23. Student of Hillel for 1 year. Activist. Fact about myself: ”I am left-handed.” “Taglit summer 2008” graduate. Study in Dnepropetrovsk National Mining University (Department of Informatics). “I take part in this project because I want to improve my English language skills.”

Anna Shnitzer. Age: 21. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Activist. Fact about myself: “I am a secretary of school rabbi”. Taglit summer 2008” graduate. Alumnus of Social and Economical College (Social management). ”I take part in this project because it is interesting to communicate with Jewish students from USA.”

Dasha Gorkovaya. Age: 21. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Activist and volunteer. Fact about myself: “I am a secretary of school for religious girls.” Alumnus of Social and Economical College (Social management). ”I take part in this project because I want to exchange volunteer experience with students from foreign culture.”

Alex Itzkovich. Age: 20. Student of Hillel for 2 years. Madrich and volunteer. Fact about myself: “I am now a participant of Jewish Young Leadership Project Metsuda and Hillel school of Leading Projects .” Study in Dnepropetrovsk University of Economics and Law (Department of Law). “I want to take part in this project because I want to improve my leadership skills.”