NEW YORK – Ivanka Zajac, president of the New York City branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of American (UCCA), was honored for her selfless and continuous dedication in assisting Ukraine’s freedom fighters since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.
Before colleagues and friends on April 26, Ms. Zajac was bestowed a series of awards, including the prestigious Order of St. Barbara, for her tireless efforts in raising funds to equip Ukrainian soldiers who are currently fighting to secure Ukraine’s freedom and territorial integrity.
Ms. Zajac’s work started back in July 2014, when she befriended an active participant of the Maidan, Ivan Rodichenko, in New York City. Since that time, Ms. Zajac has continuously helped the 25th Territorial Defense Battalion Kyivska Rus’. She has been raising funds to purchase medical supplies, military equipment, clothing and food to send to the battalion’s 40 men (per rotation). As of April she had sent over $60,000 to Ukraine.
Ms. Zajac has also taken under her wing the 24th Mechanized Tank Brigade, the 59th Brigade and the Georgian National Legion, the first foreign legion to join the Ukrainian army and part of the 25th Battalion Kyivska Rus’.
To thank her for her efforts, Mr. Rodichenko traveled from Ukraine to New York specifically to present these awards to Ms. Zajac.
Presenting the Order St. Barbara, the highest award bestowed to females from Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus’-Ukraine, Mr. Rodichenko commented, “I have the honor of bestowing this award to Ivanka Zajac. It’s hard to put into words all the work that she has done for Ukraine. Ivanka gave us hope that there are real people out there who care and would not leave you in times of trouble.”
Mr. Rodichenko also stated that he was grateful to Father Vitaliy Matiyaschuk, who relayed Ms. Zajac’s story to the patriarch, thereby securing the award for her.
Mr. Rodichenko then bestowed the Strong Spirit Award on Ms. Zajac for her contribution to the 25th Battalion’s combat readiness, as well as an award from the 59th Brigade.
Concluding the awards ceremony, Mr. Rodichenko presented Ms. Zajac with a Ukrainian national flag in appreciation for the efforts of the Ukrainian community on behalf of Ukraine’s freedom fighters. Riddled with bullet holes, the flag, which had survived the battle of Debaltseve, was the favorite flag of the BMP Intelligence Union, from the BMP Patriot tank that carried the wounded from the battlefield.
Ms. Zajac, who was moved to tears, thanked all those who had gathered to honor her. She stated: “We did what we had to do. As Ukrainian Americans raised in this community, this is our duty to our brethren in Ukraine.”
UCCA President Tamara Olexy said of Ms. Zajac: “She is a shining star within our community and we are so proud of all of her accomplishments on behalf of those fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.”