To combat the severe ‘Friends of Ukraine’ organized a high-profile fundraising event at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ, to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The event brought together prominent figures and recognized several organizations, including UNITED SIKHS, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), and World Central Kitchens, for their humanitarian efforts.

Our initiative was to highlight and acknowledge the tireless work of those organizations in delivering humanitarian aid to the war-torn regions of Ukraine and to rally further support for their ongoing efforts.

At the event, key speakers emphasized the critical need for continuous support. Senator Cory Booker passionately underscored the importance of taking action against injustice, while First Lady Tammy Murphy expressed her hope for an end to the violence in Ukraine and praised the work of UNITED SIKHS and other groups. UNITED SIKHS Humanitarian Aid Director, Gurvinder Singh, also shared harrowing accounts of volunteers risking their lives to provide essential aid, including food and medications, in dangerous areas like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Shehyni. Despite facing grave dangers, including kidnappings and attacks, the volunteers continue their mission.

UNWLA President Natalie Pawlenko also spoke, highlighting the atrocities committed by Russian forces and the ongoing need for financial, spiritual, and moral support for Ukraine. Newark-based lawyer Victor Herlinsky, one of the event organizers, shared his plans to join UNITED SIKHS in Ukraine, inspired by their courageous efforts. The event also featured a performance by Ukrainian Village Voices, adding a cultural dimension to the gathering.

The event successfully raised awareness and support for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, honoring the contributions of UNITED SIKHS and other organizations while inspiring further action. The stories shared by the speakers highlighted the resilience and bravery of those on the front lines and underscored the ongoing need for global solidarity in the face of injustice.