At the Jewish Lyceum No. 144 named after Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a leading educational institution of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, a special event, “Campaign of Gratitude and Support,” took place, uniting students, parents, and lyceum staff in a shared aspiration to express gratitude to those who defend Ukraine and give children the opportunity to live, study, and build the future.
This campaign, held in honor of the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, officially observed on October 1, became an important educational event for the entire lyceum family. It reminded the children that gratitude should not remain merely a word, for it is expressed in attention, participation, good deeds, and a readiness to support those who today especially deserve our gratitude.
A special shade was given to this event by the words of Dmytro Pavlychko, which became the leitmotif of the entire gathering: “The Fatherland is not someone somewhere – I, too, am the Fatherland.” For the lyceum students, these words became not an abstract quotation but an important lesson in responsibility, involvement, and the understanding that love for one’s country begins with the personal participation of every person.
For the lyceum, participation in such nationwide initiatives is a significant event, for they help cultivate in children mercy, respect, civic maturity, and the ability to see beside them those to whom it is important to say a simple and great human “thank you.”
“It is very important to us that children from an early age understand that Jewish tradition places special significance on expressing gratitude and respect, especially to those who give us the opportunity to live, study, develop, remain faithful to our values, and grow both as Jews and as worthy citizens of our country,” noted Lyceum Director Olena Krasnova. “The ‘Campaign of Gratitude and Support’ became for our students a true lesson in gratitude, responsibility, and a kind heart, for it is from such deeds that the understanding is formed that each of us, too, is part of a united, free, and independent Ukraine.”
