JDC Scholarships Provide Students with Disabilities Opportunities to Study at Solomon University

Lev, 22, has enjoyed history, archeology, and architecture since his childhood. But problems with his vision – caused by a handicap from birth – prevented him from reading as much as he would have liked. Instead, he and his parents traveled throughout Ukraine to see everything with their own eyes.

Despite difficulty taking notes and reading off a blackboard, Lev successfully graduated from the Jewish Day School in Kharkov with the help of the caring teaching staff and his peers.

Upon his completion of high school, Lev opted to attend Solomon University in North Ukraine – a natural choice for its acclaimed History department, and because it offers Judaic Studies, both of which have long attracted Lev.

Financial assistance from JDC allow Lev to continue his education even as his family is in grave financial difficulty. Last year, his mother required two costly operations and money was needed for medications and treatments, and Lev's younger sister is also a student. As determined as ever, Lev plans to pursue a post-graduate degree next year. Ultimately, he hopes to fuse his training and hobbies into establishing a music program in one of Kharkov's many Jewish organizations, in which he is actively involved.

Like Lev, Yuri also benefits from the favorable learning conditions at Solomon University's Kharkov branch, where he enrolled in Judaic Studies, political science, and history courses. "This school provided a warm, friendly atmosphere, professional staff, and a unique opportunity to communicate with other young Jewish students who have similar interests to mine," says Yuri.

Thanks to the faculty, university resources and a scholarship from JDC, Yuri did research for the university's Judaic Studies department beginning his freshman year. Today, he is proud of the results: Yuri published 13 articles, participated in all of the annual student conferences, and received numerous diplomas and awards. During his studies, Yuri was asked to work as Office Manager at the university and had the opportunity to participate in his first archaeological expedition to the Khazar historical site. Khazaria was a medieval kingdom noted for its religious tolerance and acceptance of Jews.

In 2003, Yuri received his Bachelor's degree in History.

Through its educational assistance program, JDC assists students like Lev and Yuri – who are faced with medical and financial difficulties – in fulfilling their personal and professional goals.