The Gratitude Fund

The Gratitude Fund (GF) is a non-profit organization which was created to provide assistance to the forgotten heroes and veterans of the active struggle for freedom and human rights in the former USSR such as ex-political prisoners and the families of those dissidents who perished in Soviet prisons. All funds raised by GF are distributed to the rec... ipients in accordance with the available information relative to their needs. The Fund is responsible to inform US government officials of the existing program and seek their cooperation in creating special assistance programs. The Gratitude Fund provides financial assistance not only in Russia but also in America and Europe. It allocates money for their medical needs and emergency assistance. Such known dissidents as Yuri Orlov and Nathan Sharansky have expressed their endorsement of the Fund's activities in open letters. The mission of the Fund is also supported by several Jewish organizations, including the Union of Councils for Soviet Jewry. "I strongly support this idea," said the international director of the human rights bureau of the UCSJ, Leonid Stonov. "It is very important and just. I hope that American grass-roots organizations will support this fund."Read More