13-year old Girl Donates $45,000 in Bat Mitzvah Gifts for Feeding Elderly Jews in Ukraine

When Leya traveled with her mother and grandparents to her zayde’s childhood home in Ukraine, the trip became more than a discovery of her family legacy.

Upon entering the JDC-sponsored kosher soup kitchen in Mukachevo, Ukraine, 12-year old Leya knew she must become involved in helping out. "When we visited the soup kitchen, it made my heart drop. Later, we visited the Jewish family club and it was even more emotional."

The act of giving is not new to Leya. Since she was 8-years old, every year on her birthday, she donated birthday gifts to a charity of her choice. When choosing the project for her philanthropic fund, she saw numerous programs on video and visited programs in her local community, but ultimately decided that her grandfather's shtetl was where her heart led her. "Nothing is more powerful than allowing your child to experience a JDC program first-hand," said her mother.

When she returned home to Florida, Leya made certain that her Bat Mitzvah invitations carried the message that in lieu of personal Bat Mitzvah gifts for her, guests should donate to the JDC through the Jewish Community Foundation of South Palm Beach County.

Leya established her own philanthropic fund at the foundation and is clear about her charitable goals. "One of my wishes is that every Friday, they (the Jews of Mukachevo) can take home a challah for Sabbath and have some brisket. I want them to have a Hanukkah party with latkes and presents. I want to send presents for them," Leya stated.

Leya’s mother, JDC Board member Etta Gross Zimmerman noted the trip’s impact on her daughter. "Everywhere we went that my father lived, we saw social programs that the JDC is doing for these people. Leya didn’t want to leave the soup kitchen, where everyone wanted to kiss and hug her. The warm feeling of belonging continued onto our next visit at the Family Club. This trip left a life-long impact on her.'