This week Ukraine happens to be off the front pages, but the Jewish communities continue to be concerned about provocations, particularly from pro-Russian militants or secret agents ahead of the elections scheduled for May 25.  Accordingly, they are forming teams of “shomrim” – quick response units, which are dedicated to ensure the safety of Jews and Jewish sites in Kiev.  If you would like to learn more about their efforts and to support them, please check out the following two sources:
 
http://www.jewishkiev.org/#!kiev-shomrim/c1ayv
https://www.facebook.com/KievShomrim

Originally from Ukraine, Vicky came to Chicago at age 13. Her 98 year old grandmother and her father still live in Kiev. After graduating Cum Laude from Northwestern University, Vicky worked for 3 years as an equity analyst with write-ups on several major financial websites. Having realized that her way to truly make a difference in the world was through the service of the Jewish people, Vicky became the cantorial soloist at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois for 3 years before entering Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in 2007 as a Wexner Graduate Fellow (Class 20). Since her ordination as a cantor in 2012, Vicky has served as the Cantor of Congregation Solel in Highland Park, IL.  Some of her singing can be heard here and she can be reached at vickyglikin@gmail.com.