My #JewishCleveland: Sam Krichevsky

“If Federation wasn’t there helping my family, I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today.”

I am 1st generation American. My parents immigrated to the United States in 1977 from the former Soviet Union, before I was born. My sister was just six years old. They needed help getting on their feet. Through Federation, my parents found jobs, moved into an apartment, and started a new life in New York.

During high school, I met the love of my life and soon after college, we moved to her hometown – Cleveland. When I came here a little over 8 years ago, this town welcomed me with open arms, and the only questions the Federation and community asked were ‘how can we help?’ or ‘who can we introduce you to?’ or ‘what’s the next step?’ Everyone I met was genuine and caring.

This is why I feel a very strong need to give back to Jewish Cleveland and help others in my community because of all of the opportunities given to my family. It’s the whole concept of paying it forward - if the Federation wasn’t there helping my family, I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today.

Today, I am the parent of three beautiful children who attend Fuchs Mizrachi School, a Federation partner agency. It’s a blessing to know that we have Federation and community support, not only as it relates to their education but also to their protection and safety.

That, as parents, puts us at ease and gives us the peace of mind that we can give our children a Jewish education and they never have to look over their shoulder and worry. When I see the armed security guards and security vehicles all over town, I feel safe here.

I am so grateful to be part of this Jewish Cleveland community, which has that same backbone and support as my parents had when they first arrived here. It sets an example for us, for our children and for our future generations.

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