Features
Organization in Ukraine known as Zgraya that has many Jewish members desperately needs your help to continue doing its important work
By BERNIE BELLAN Alexander Kovalchuk is a 27-year-old Jewish Ukrainian who is currently in Kyiv working with a group of young people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, called Zgraya (https://zgraya-help.com). Zgraya means “wolf pack” in Ukrainian. In normal times, Alexander told me that he is a video editor, “working in post production” – mostly in “commercial and music videos.”
Alexander said that he moved to Kyiv about two weeks ago from where he was living. He met up with other members of Zgraya whom he knew from before and was put to work making camouflage nets for the military.
I said to Alexander that Alex Guider, who moved to Winnipeg from Kyiv 11 years ago (and about whom we have a story at http://jewishpostandnews.ca/local/1078-jews-from-ukraine-who-have-settled-in-winnipeg-offer-conflicting-opinions-about-the-russian-invasion) told me that a lot of the members of Zgraya are Jewish. About how many were Jewish, I asked Alexander? He said that lots were but he didn’t know how many.
Alexander went on to explain that Zgraya was started by a young Jewish woman by the name of Evgeniya Talinovskaya eight years ago (in 2014) when Russia seized Crimea and began to foment an insurrection in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
In short order, once Alexander came to Kyiv, he told me, he and others in the group were asked to do “cooking for our army” and for people who had come to Kyiv from other cities.
Alexander went on to describe the four areas in which Zgraya members are contributing to the Ukrainian defense effort, but frankly I couldn’t understand what he said so I consulted the Zgraya website.
Here are pictures from the Zgraya website that show what kind of work the members of the group are engaged in doing:
The four areas in which Zgraya is involved are: Providing humanitarian aid to the hardest-hit areas; supplying hospitals with hot meals and trying to contact international organizations to access medical equipment; supplying civilians with medications, meal kits, and transportation – and helping Ukrainians who have moved to Kyiv to find places to live; and helping to supply the military with clothing, ballistic protection, medicine, and hot meals. (The Zgraya website – zgraya.help.com has more detailed information.) Later on, Alexander added that Zgraya is now involved in evacuating Ukrainians from areas that have been liberated from Russian control. (More about this later.)
Insofar as obtaining medicines goes, Alexander explained that it’s not simply a matter of finding drugs in whatever drugstores might be open. “People have no money for buying it,” he says, “and a lot of drugstores that are open, they doesn’t have special drugs that people need.”
“But,” he added, “we are finding it, we are buying it.” Alexander went on to note that there are about 15 people in the group who are doctors who are devoting themselves exclusively to “helping people with what they need” in terms of medicinal requirements. If certain drugs are not attainable, then the doctors will try to find suitable substitutes, he said, but for so many people, having the money to pay for drugs is simply impossible. Zgraya provides the medicines at no cost, but clearly the group is desperate for outside donations in order to keep going.
“We have a large volunteer group that can deliver medicines and food,” Alexander said, because “a lot of people can’t even go from their home to go to the store. It was a problem even before the war,” he added.
Buying food is also a challenge, but the biggest financial problem for Zgraya, Alexander noted, is paying for the evacuations of civilians from areas near Kyiv that were hit hard by the invading Russian forces – but that have now been abandoned by the Russians.
“One evacuation will be for 120 people,” he explained, but it costs in the neighbourhood of “7,000 Euros” (approx. $9600 Cdn.) for one evacuation.
“When we are going to a city (or town) we are delivering food, we are delivering drugs…and we are bringing back 120 people, but every day we receive requests for around 300 people – it’s mothers, it’s children, it’s old people who need to be evacuated.
“Every day Zgraya spends something like 16,000 Euros. You need to understand we don’t have big donations from anyone. Most of our donations are from just regular people who are trying to help us.”
I asked Alexander whether he’s married.
“No, I’m not,” he answered. “I have a girlfriend and of course, I was worried about her – maybe she don’t want to hear it. I was trying to force her to move to Lviv once the war started. She has the possibility. She has family in Prague, but she doesn’t want to go.”
I said to Alexander that I would do whatever I could to raise awareness of Zgraya – whether it was through our newspaper, our website, or our Facebook page. I told him to keep in touch.
Later, after we had finished our conversation, Alexander sent me a message, asking that if anyone does want to make a donation through the group’s website https://zgraya-help.com please send the money through Paypal, if possible. “Paypal is the fastest and greatest way,” he wrote. “Now every day is count.”
Features
The Allure of Cherry Scents in Modern Fragrance Trends
Cherry-scented perfumes have become the new darling of the fragrance world. Thanks to their fruity notes and unique ability to bring out sophistication and warmth, cherry perfumes are an emerging trend in the modern world of scents.
One of the most famous perfumes of the generation is the Tom Ford Lost Cherry and the well-loved fragrance is simply unbeatable. They’re so developed, deep, and warm. For customers looking for a more affordable option, perfumes like Ambery Cherry have found a nice middle between luxury and attainability.
Why Cherry Scents Are Having a Moment
Cherry fragrances offer sophistication, freshness, and complexity. These perfumes strike a perfect balance between sweetness and adulthood, making them suitable for any occasion and mood. Cherries are a symbol of indulgence, delectability, and nostalgia. There are several fragrance users who want more than just a nice and simple scent; they’re looking for a story too.
For this reason, a lot of perfumers have gotten extra inventive with their cherry notes, including other notes that establish a unique story. Almond notes, tonka bean, smoky undertones – anything that can place wearers directly on a unique pedestal in an olfactory universe. With this newfound creativity, cherry-scented perfumes have become a genre of their own in the world of luxury perfumes.
Cherry Fragrances and the Senses
Just imagine the moment when someone with cherry fragrance sprays it on their skin. The first notes that blossom through are of tangy, sweet cherry juice. You are then transported to an orchard bathed in sunlight. That is the kind of sensory experience you get with a cherry fragrance.
They’re the right mix of elegant and playful and warm and bold. Again, the likes of Tom Ford Lost Cherry have raised the bar when it comes to making a perfect fragrance. This has, in turn, resulted in the likes of Ambery Cherry becoming easily available to the masses.
Cherry Scents as Personal Statements
Fragrances are not just some additional accessory but an extension to your personality. Cherry fragrances, with their warmth and alluring nature, allow the wearer to make some pretty unforgettable, striking statements everywhere they go. The kind of people who stop and give them a try are people who enjoy timeless elegance while remaining modern and fresh! There is something about cherry fragrances that intrigues you. You just can’t pinpoint what it is but they smell divine.
Finding the Perfect Cherry Fragrance
Given that cherry fragrances are so hot right now, you might find yourself doing a double take as you try to navigate your next move. The best way to decide is to choose one that aligns with your personal style. If your tastes run to the daring and complex, Tom Ford Lost Cherry might tickle your fancy.
If you are after a comparable experience at a more appropriate price tag, there are options like Ambery Cherry as alternatives. They make cherry perfumes accessible to everyone, no matter how deep their pockets are. This will only mean that more of us will experience and fall in love with this note.
Embrace the Cherry Trend
Cherry perfumes are for everyone but many already know this, especially now that there are affordable alternatives. For those who are regular shoppers at luxury perfume counters, don’t let this amazing scent escape your growing collection. Welcome to the beautiful world of cherry perfumes. Now that there are pocket-friendly yet luxurious editions, what is stopping you from considering them?
Features
Exploring the Technology Behind CrazyVegas’s Seamless Gameplay
With the fastest load speeds, the smoothest play, the most reliable form of security and so many more exciting extras, going with this CrazyVegas online casino really is like magic. But what’s behind all these, you ask? What are the crazy ins and outs of the system that continually delivers the fun and excitement to you, the player?
Advanced Servers for Lightning-Fast Performance
Nothing ruins an awesome gaming experience quite like lag — or bugs. Overheated servers, not enough server-pressure points, and even the choice of a hard drive over a solid-state drive because if the host is lagging, you’re lagging. And at CrazyVegas, we don’t do “lagging,” or its little brother, downtime.
Because as cool as all of the above is and more, we are focused on keeping the good times rolling with as little interruption on your desktop, tablet, or mobile and hassle-free infrastructure.
Cutting-edge Graphics Powered by HTML5
The design makes or breaks the online casino. Some even say it’s as important as games. With HTML5 used in CrazyVegas, there’s nothing to worry about. The game design and graphics look and act just about the part. All modes can be played on any size screen without a clumsy or confusing transition.
From playing that latest slot to getting into that poker final and anything in between. There’s a clear view of all the visuals and there are no visual bugs that make it painful on the eyes. All thanks to magical HTML5.
AI and Machine Learning for Personalized Experiences
Beneath the system, the AI and machine learning algorithms are creating a uniquely designed gaming world for each player. CrazyVegas uses AI to analyze players’ input and then provide real-time gameplay and promotional offers depending on this player’s preferences.
If the AI detects this player has a preference for games that require more strategy (e.g. BlackJack) then this could result in higher table games or even more game tips to help you play and win. This has made the system create an experience built for the people who play it. But decentralized at the same time.
Secure Transactions with Blockchain Integration
Security is paramount in any online casino, and CrazyVegas doesn’t disappoint. By utilizing blockchain technology, this online casino can provide an unprecedented level of security (and transparency) online — beyond anything else in the industry. With blockchain, user funds are safe and games are fairer.
Any transaction (e.g., deposit, withdrawal) is encrypted and transmitted securely, channeled onto a decentralized contract ledger that ensures your money plus data are safe from any kind of hack.
Mobile Optimization
With the days we live in now, online gaming is a form of relaxation and this casino is just as good as its competition. It is mobile-friendly, meaning a customer can play whenever, wherever!
Thanks to the design and discomfort of cookies, this online casino is for any player. It doesn’t matter if you are at home or just about anywhere, you can definitely play your favorite games on your mobile.
Fair Play with RNG Technology
One of the most important aspects of online gaming is fairness. CrazyVegas has this well covered and uses Random Number Generator (RNG) technology throughout its games to ensure that all game outcomes are entirely random.
Third-party independent testing ensures this remains the case, and our users can be certain they are all in with a fair and equal chance. And with us, the gameplay really is a play that can be trusted!
The Future of Gaming at CrazyVegas
As technologies evolve, we evolve too. CrazyVegas always follows the edge of the possible and even more, providing all the incredible tech pieces to give you more depth and more awesomeness in your gambling. Imagine walking into your VR casino, chatting with other players and a dealer in real time, or using AR to make your gambling appear right on your dinner table! All the tech pieces are endless, and we will take it all to provide the best new experiences to our players.
Features
Remembrance of Things Present
By BILL MARANTZ When I woke up, on Monday, November 11, I forgot it was Remembrance Day. Or, as the “Chosen People” call it, Groundhog Day. Aka: “today.” True, as usual, I had pinned on a fake poppy (that, as usual, had fallen off) but that is the extent of my involvement in this memorial holiday. You don’t have to be reminded of something you can’t forget.
Take the Holocaust.
Please. As far as Velvel Marantz is concerned, Yom Hashoah is redundant. An annual guilt trip I’ve been on since the age of ten, shortly after Donald Trump’s previous incarnation made an ash of himself, and his “Final Solution” was revealed. To atone for the sin of being born in Canada, and being too young to be forced to risk my life on a European battlefield, I would lie awake, in bed, and torture myself with fantasies of being tossed into a roaring fire, kicking and screaming, as the iron door shut behind me. In my innocence, I didn’t realize it was not my European brothers and sisters that were fuel for Adolph Hitler’s “ovens,” but their lifeless remains.
When I learned the true details of their martyrdom, I had a slightly less harrowing nightmare to conjure up. One that involved “shower rooms” that dispensed Cyclone B, rather than H2O. This may seem like a rather morbid turn of mind but I am not an exception, but the rule. That’s what Judaism is all about. Remembrance of things present. Every morning, the first thing we do, is count our blessings. Recite fourteen prayers of thanks that can be summed up in a single prayer: “Thank you, ha’Shem for letting me wake up.” And every Saturday, and Jewish holiday, we recite a passage from the same book we’ve been reading for several thousand years. Lest we forget where we came from, and where we don’t want to go.
Again.
It’s like a joke my late friend Ron Brooker, who worked for Fox films, used to tell. The Jolson Story and Jolson Sing Again were such big hits that they were thinking of making another sequel: Jolson Sings Again and Again.
Jews dominate the movie industry but we don’t all go to the synagogue. Or “Temple,” as my New York cousins say. Not all Jews are created equal. There are secular Jews, self-hating Jews and assimilated Jews, who don’t “identify” as Jews (to use the current jargon). But there’s no escape. It’s like the Mafia. “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!” Judaism is not a choice; it’s “bashert.” A blessing and a curse. Like winning a Gold Medal in the women’s 100 meter butterfly and still having to pee, standing up. To paraphrase my favorite author, Isaac Bashevis Singer: “If you ever forget you’re a Jew, don’t worry, there will always be a Gentile around to remind you.”
Which is why I don’t bother to celebrate Remembrance Day.
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