Courtesy photo.
By Judith Fischer • RJ Associates
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — She held up her cell phone so I could read it. The Google translator function transcribed from Ukrainian into Spanish, “Gracias por tu trabajo.” In English: “thank you for your work.” She put her right hand over her heart and patted her chest several times as she closed her eyes. Her appreciation overwhelmed me. My eyes watered up. I had only handed her a cup of hot coffee.
My husband, Ron, and I have recently returned from 10 days in Pozuela, Spain, about 8 Km. from Madrid. It’s the site of World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) food operation for the Ukrainian refugees who have flooded this area The Spanish government is providing short-term on-site hotel accommodations for about 3 to 5 days while the refugees receive new identification cards and papers that will allow them to stay in Spain. They wait for an available apartment or room from gracious hosts in many towns throughout the country.
We felt we had to go, had to do something, had to help. The terrible devastation was a vivid reminder of our own grandparents fleeing Russia and Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century. At that time the Tsar’s army rained down terror on the Jewish peasants living in “shtetls” (poor villages) with massacres, plundering, and abductions. Fleeing the country was their only option. Europe, America, and South America offered hope and a new life. Speaking with the Ukrainians, they echoed the same plight. They had only one option – to abandon everything they knew. They, too, fled from their homes, schools, jobs, other family members and friends. In a matter of days life would never be the same.
As volunteers working in WCK’s food truck we provided sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, hot meals, coffee and teas, baby food, and an occasional lollipop for the children. We assisted mostly women and children, the elderly, but very few men. Most men remained in Ukraine.
The stream of people was constant. A bit of hot food, hot chocolate, or a cookie provided comfort and filled empty stomachs. Each person found a “thank you” for us in Ukrainian, Spanish, or English. Their appreciation overwhelmed us.
The English speakers’ stories were heartbreaking and moved us to tears. Arkady, the 55-year-old father and electrical engineer, who upon leaving Ukraine looped across 3 countries to find his daughter. Nadia, a young woman traveling with her 57-year-old mother and artist, vowed to return to Ukraine to rescue her 86-year-old Granny. A pregnant woman with her two other young children in tow wondered when she would see her husband again.
We were often asked where we were from. “California,” we answered. “Oh, yes. We know California,” some said. “I have a friend there” or “I went to school there for a year to learn better English,” a few said. This was an educated and worldly population. They were hungry to be part of a humane place.
Some were very curious and bravely inquired about our salary for the job we were doing. We explained there was no pay. We shared that we traveled at our expense and were working on our own. A few jaws dropped. Their gratitude reached new heights.
Ron and I are spouses and also business partners, RJ Associates – Executive Search. Since 1981, we have worked with companies to identify senior accounting and financial talent for client companies. We have always been acutely aware of the impact we have on people’s lives as they move into a new, life-changing position. A new position that often affects an entire family.
Our work in Spain with the Ukrainian refugees has taken “life-changing” to a new level. Never can we take for granted our ability to feel safe and secure. Never can we take for granted the sanctity of our home or the closeness of our family and friends. Never again can we assume “someone else will do it.” We had to be the “someone’s” who reached out a helping hand.
World Central Kitchen, a 501(c)3, allocates 85.7% of its donations into its programs. Only 4.9% goes to administration and 9.2% is used for fundraising.
— Since 1981, RJ Associates has provided executive search services for companies seeking middle/senior level accounting and financial professionals. Located in Woodland Hills with clients throughout Southern California representing all industries from start-ups through the Fortune 500.