ANSHE RACHAMIM Becomes CHEVRA USA

As of last month, Anshe Rachamim has officially changed its name to Chevra USA. The reasons for the change are that our parent organization in Krakow is called Chevra International, and it was getting confusing for people that we are the same organization and have two separate names. Our branches on the field are all known as Chevra; Chevra Ukraine, Chevra Russia, Chevra Belarus, etc. Becoming Chevra USA makes it easier for people to make the connection. A second reason for the change is that it is easier for people to write a check to Chevra than to Anshe Rachamim. Chevra means friendship. We will still be sending out mailings with Anshe Rachamim stationary until it is used up, and checks can still be made out to Anshe Rachamim or Chevra, but we will be phasing out the Anshe Rachamim name over the next couple of months. We hope and pray you won't phase out your prayers or support of our work as we go through this change.

HURRICANE KATRINA

As we prepared this newsletter, the disaster in the Gulf States hit, and our desire, as with so many others, was to see as many funds as possible go to help the victims. We were torn about even sending out this newsletter at this time, but the fact remains that the people that look to us for food and medicines and clothing and all the other needs we seek to provide are still be in need. We are heartened to see the massive relief efforts taking place, but we know that for those we help in the Former Soviet Union, there is no massive effort. There are only a handful of people doing what we can. We really do need your help at this time as we move towards the winter months, which are always severe. We encourage you to also help those dealing with the present disaster in our own country, preferably through the American Red Cross, which is a dependable charity.

The Economy

I am really happy to say that monthly giving has held steady through the summer, which has been a real help for us. We have been able to meet our obligations to those we support, and are grateful for the faithfulness of all of you. As the US Dollar has weakened on international markets, it has been good for the US economy, but the downside, has been for those we have been helping. Where we used to be able to keep a soup kitchen running for $1000.00 a month, it now costs $1400.00 a month. Multiply that by the many soup kitchens and other aid we provide and you see that our needs have become greater just to maintain what we are presently doing. We are thankful for your help. It has enabled us to do our work, and meet the needs of our people in desperate situations.

Childrens Summer Camp

We invited 120 Jewish children from Ukraine, Byelorussia and Kaliningrad to the camp. Chevra USA provided funds for transportation and organizing some special events for the children. We do believe that it was a great time for all the children and for most of them their only summer activity.

Jewish Organizations

Jewish humanitarian organizations that helped the poor free of charge recently introduced part payment for their help. Many people turn to us since they cannot afford to pay, even in part, for medicine, diapers for adults or food parcels. We also had some Jewish organizations, even orthodox organizations, turning to us for help. Please pray with us that we could meet their needs.

FAMILY IN NEED: The Shirshovy family

Elena is the mother of Alina (12 yrs old). Her husband left them a few years ago when he found out that his daughter was sick with diabetes. Elena can not find a job; no one wants to employ her because in her work-book there is a note: "on leave due to minding a handicapped child." The family lives in a small 2-room apartment, which has not been renovated for years, because of the lack of finances.

Alina has been ill from her childhood; she is under permanent care. When she was four, she was taken by ambulance for her resuscitation as she fell in coma. Doctors were fighting for her life many days. Afterward she was taken to another ward, where they gave diagnosis: the worst kind of diabetes, type 1: fully dependant on insulin. As she regained consciousness, there came immediately: cardiopathy, nephropathy, and poor eye-sight. At present she has even more complications. They have no means to buy proper food, as the supportive treatment is very costly.

These are ways you can help us:

• Regular monthly support enables us to budget more effectively. Even a small regular gift is helpful. What is very little to us, means a lot to our people in Eastern Europe. (If you would like us to send 12 giving envelopes for monthly help, let us know).
• Helping to arrange for Dr. Schiffman to speak to your group about Chevra USA. (call or email or write us)
• Remember us in your will. (But you should live a long, happy, healthy life).