Zelensky Medal Raises Funds for Ukrainians

The Jewish-American Hall of Fame has commissioned Jim Licaretz, former U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver, to create what the organization calls a “bold, heroic portrait of Ukraine’s valiant President Volodymyr Zelensky” on a medal to raise money for the people of Ukraine, which is currently under attack by Russia.

A limited edition 3-1/2-inch art medal is being offered to the public for purchase, with 100 percent of the profits being contributed to aid the embattled Ukrainians both in their homeland and as refugees.

The medal’s reverse features Zelensky’s inspirational words, “Our truth is that this is our land,” and the state seal of Ukraine. The quote is an excerpt from a speech, in which Zelensky said, “We are not putting down arms. We will be defending our country, because our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children and we will defend all of this.”

Licaretz created the original model in resin using a 3-D printer. He then made a mold and will cast medals in bonded bronze, each of which he will hand-finish.

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky was born to Jewish parents on Jan. 27, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, then in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Zelensky’s great-grandfather and his three great-granduncles died in the Holocaust.

Zelensky earned a degree in law from the Kyiv National Economic University. He then pursued comedy and created a company that produced films, cartoons and TV shows including the TV series “Servant of the People,” in which Zelensky played the role of the Ukrainian president. In 2019, Zelensky actually won the Ukrainian presidential election with more than 73 percent of the votes.

No more than 199 Zelensky medals will be issued, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a stand. Cost is $150 plus $15 for shipping per order, with a limit of three medals per person.

If all medals are sold, a contribution of about $15,000 will be made to help the Ukrainian victims of Russian aggression.

To order, send payment to the Jewish-American Hall of Fame, 5189 Jeffdale Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91364; call (818) 225-1348, or via PayPal to directorjahf@yahoo.com.