Irina’s Family

In the wake of the disaster at Chernobyl’s nuclear power plant, Irina gathered her mother and daughter, and fled.  With no destination in mind, they set out together to find refuge. They finally settled in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, living off meager funds that barely covered food and medicine.  In their new home, they took each day slowly, carefully, concentrating on basic survival.

Throughout her life, Irina has had to find the strength and courage to survive.  A teacher, she was abandoned by her husband when her daughter, who has Down’s Syndrome, was born.  Her daughter is now 25 years old, and her mother is 90 and very frail.  Their needs are great and their resources few.  Irina is her mother’s eyes and ears and her daughter’s advocate in a world often unforgiving of the mentally and physically challenged.  The only assistance that Irina receives is through JDC.

All of her life, Irina has taken care of others, asking for nothing in return.  Today, she must ask for help with medicine, food and shelter and she turns to JDC for these simple, basic necessities.  Thanks to the American Jewish community and other generous supporters, she and her family are receiving support to sustain them.