A Yavneh Fellow Goes to Vienna

BLOG POST — April 2022

A couple of weeks ago I attended a humanitarian aid mission with YU to help out Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Vienna. When I had first read the email that was sent out promoting this mission, I knew I had to take this incredible opportunity and apply as not only a student leader, Yavneh fellow, and someone representing my community and university, but also as a fellow Jew. I had heard so much about the war, refugees, and what was happening in Vienna and but until then I felt that everything I wanted to do to help felt too distant and impractical.  

Once we arrived in Vienna, our job consisted primarily of spreading as much joy as we could, as we were helping families settle into what was about to become their new lives. We were in charge of handing out normal necessities for a new home such as mezuzot, kiddush cups, clothing, toiletries etc. These items were brought in duffel bags as donations from our Jewish communities back home, which was a huge Chesed for the people who couldn’t join us. We were also there over the holiday of Purim, which was extremely special as we got to hand out Purim costumes and celebrate the holiday with these refugees as well! 

The biggest lesson I learned during my trip is that leadership does not have to be something grand necessarily, but what leadership means to me is taking that first step, which can be a small one. For me, this means seeing an opportunity and stepping up to do something even if the circumstances aren’t necessarily ideal. Something so small can make such a huge difference, and just putting a smile on someone’s face is a step in the right direction. In Vienna, this meant spreading love and happiness, lending a helping hand, or being a shoulder to cry on which is probably the nicest way to connect. I also learned that language doesn’t have to be a barrier, as there were tons of languages surrounding us all week, what’s really important is just being there for someone in a time of need. 

As Yavneh fellows, my biggest piece of advice and takeaway is to start small, and you never know what kind of impact you can make. Being there for someone and doing something small can make the biggest impact in the long run.