Hey everyone, I’m Jill Markowitz. I’m a rising junior from Queens, NY. I’m a human development major and an education minor. My activities at school include PR chair for Hillel and Panhellenic VP Communications. I’m really excited to go on this trip because it’s a fun and exciting way to do something really meaningful while also learning about a new culture, and of course having fun!

Hi! My name is Naomi Drucker and I am a rising junior majoring in Landscape Architecture. I have always been involved in Jewish life on our campus and have gone to Israel and New Orleans with Hillel. I’ve really enjoyed participating in community service activities in the past, and am excited to do it again. I am also looking forward to traveling to Eastern Europe for the first time!

My name is Adam Lerner and I am from Washington, DC. I am 19 years old and entering my sophomore year at Cornell University. I am very interested in working with various Jewish communities in different capacities, through the Hillel at Cornell and also abroad. I am very excited to travel and meet fellow Jews across the world.

Hi, I am Ben Wegener and I am a rising junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I am from the Schenectady, NY area, and am excited to be studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland this fall. This trip will be my third community service trip and my first time in Eastern Europe. I am excited to meet all of you in a few days and looking forward to our trip together!!

My name is Alina Esayan. I am 19 years old and in my 3rd year at Donetsk National University in the Department of Economics and Management. I am a fun, active and good-humored person. I want to participate in this project because I want the opportunity to improve my English and meet new and interesting people.

My name is Yana Norkina. I am 22 years old and I teach foreign languages and literature. I am a writer, singer, photographer and makeup artist. I love Jews!!!

My name is Masha Khudyakova. I am 21 years old and a student at the Donetsk Medical University. I am a madrichah (counselor) for the “Jewish Friends Club.” I speak English, so participation in this project will give me the opportunity to practice my English, make new friends, and have a good time!

My name is Vika Jacobson. I am 22 years old. I graduated from the Donetsk National University with a degree in Economics. I am a 2008 graduate of the Jewish Leadership Seminar, Metsuda. Since 2000, I have been an active member in the youth club at the Jewish Agency. I was a madrichah (counselor) of the youth club, “Jewish Friends Club”, and a participant in the project MASA. Participating in this project gives me the opportunity to spend time in the Jewish community, meet new people and help the community through practical activities.

My name is Rita Zadova and I am 21 years old. I am currently a student at the Donetsk National University in the Department of Philology. My specialty is cultural anthropology; I am interested in meeting foreigners and learning more about their culture and way of life. I’m a coordinator of Jewish Education in Hesed. I am happily participating in this project because it is a great opportunity for me to meet new interesting people and practice my language.

My name is Andrei Shevchenko. I am 25 years old. By education, I’m a programmer; in life, an entrepreneur. I am actively involved in Jewish community life. I love to read historical literature and I collect flags of different countries in original size. Right now I am studying English and I think this volunteer experience will prove useful to me.