Ukrainian orphans have high praise for NE Ohio people, food and entertainment

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – It’s been more than two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while there is no end in sight to the war, some Ukrainian children ages 10 to 16, are getting a much needed break from the bombing, death and destruction — by taking a respite right here in Northeast Ohio.

Eighteen orphaned boys and girls from war-torn Ukraine are visiting the United States for the first time ever, a reminder that Russia’s war on Ukraine is not over, and that children have become victims of a war that has killed their fathers, and destroyed their homes.

Volodya, 12, of Ukraine tells 19 News what he thinks about Northeast Ohio, “This is a beautiful place, it’s cool. Being here is so comfy and I like it.”

Ivan, 15 says, “This is really beautiful country with very friendly people. Being in this country is very good experience to develop my English skills. I really want to study here.”

The group that traveled here as part of the U 4 U Kids program and arrived on July 18, have a few more weeks to go here as they live with host families and watch a Guardians baseball game for the first time, and travel to Cedar Point.

The restaurant Fire 45 Grille and Social in North Royalton provided dinner for the group on Thursday. The non-profit charity known as Rise in Love, working with a Ukrainian church, found host families, raised the funds and provided the month long experience and gave the Ukrainian children a chance to be kids again. Barbara Sternberg is the President and Founder of Rise in Love, “This is the first time they are able to get away from it. They have lost a father or both parents to war. This is the first time they can actually get away and be kids and truly relax. But they all have cell phones and they are still getting air raid alerts on their phones.”

John Kerezy an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator at Cuyahoga Community College couldn’t fight back tears when he talked about how one Ukrainian child answered a question during church camp about God, Soleman and wisdom, “If God could give you any one thing would you ask for wisdom like Soleman did or something else? One of the kids said I would want my father back and you could hear a pin drop. When they return to Ukraine they are returning to the same horrible war situation they left on July 17th.”

The children from Ukraine who sadly say they have gotten used to seeing rockets over their heads and rushing to a safe place when the siren goes off, are just like kids here in Northeast Ohio. They tell 19 News their favorite foods are pizza and Sushi, and they absolutely loved Cedar Point and Guardians baseball.

Two women from Ukraine who chaperoned the young group had their own war stories to tell. Irena from Ukraine showed me the last photo of her husband that was ever taken — just before he left to fight for his country. Her friend Galena who also made the trip to Northeast Ohio also carries a photo of her husband who has been declared missing and most likely is presumed dead. The tell a story of fear and daily pressure because of sirens, bombs and rockets. They feel this trip to Cleveland was a form of therapy at a time when they need it most, “This opportunity to be in the U.S.A. gives us a chance to be in silence and to hear pleasant sounds. Like laughter.”

Barbara Sternberg who is the Founder and President of Rise in Love says the group worked to raise money and find host parents for the Ukrainian children, and they also work everyday helping to place refugees from Ukraine in homes, help them with jobs and work with them to overcome the language barrier. You can contact Rise in Love at: info@riseinlovecenter.org .

They are always in need of volunteers and donations.

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