Benjamin Aser Memorial Foundation / Fondation commémorative Benjamin Aser

08/19/2026

Honouring Courage and Sacrifice: Justin “Lynx” Dutchak’s Recognition and the Strength of Community

We pay our deepest respects to the courage and dedication of Canadian volunteer Justin “Lynx” Dutchak, who was honoured by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) during a solemn ceremony at Ukrainian Day at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village east of Edmonton.

Following russia’s full-scale invasion, Justin volunteered to defend Ukraine and served with distinction until he was seriously wounded during combat operations in the Donetsk region. In recognition of his bravery and commitment, he was awarded the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal—a decoration established by the Ukrainian-Canadian community to honour Canadian citizens who have taken up arms for Ukraine’s freedom.

This recognition carries a deeply personal meaning for our foundation, as Benjamin "Nemo" Aser was also posthumously awarded the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal, keeping the memory of his eternal bravery and selfless sacrifice alive.

We want to send a heartfelt message to Justin “Lynx” Dutchak and his loved ones: you are not alone on this often lonely and difficult path.

Speaking from experience, we—the parents and families of both our wounded and fallen heroes—stand side by side in our thoughts and actions. Together, we preserve the memory of our precious sons’ and daughters’ dignified service and sacrifice, supporting one another every step of the way. Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world stand as one behind both our wounded and fallen heroes and their families.

We honour Justin Dutchak, thank him for his service, and wish him strength and a full recovery. We remember Benjamin and all the heroes who have sacrificed for freedom.

Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava! 🇺🇦🇨🇦

08/17/2026

It is with deep respect and a heart full of gratitude that I share these moments. I had the honoring opportunity to meet with the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Azman. Our meeting today was a deeply moving and symbolic encounter between two men bound by unimaginable grief, yet united by even greater pride and a shared mission.

The Chief Rabbi—himself the father of a fallen hero—expressed his deepest empathy and support in memory of Benjamin "Nemo" Aser.

During our meeting, I was able to present him with a symbolic gift: a Nemo Memorial Run - Run for the Heroes T-shirt. This T-shirt is not merely a keepsake; it is a symbol of our shared journey. It stands as a reminder that our sons, Benjamin and the Chief Rabbi’s son, alongside every hero who has fallen for Ukraine, gave their lives for the same noble cause: freedom.

Through their actions, Benjamin and his brothers-in-arms proved what history has taught us time and again: freedom is not given freely. It must be fought for every single day, and when necessary, the ultimate sacrifice must be made. We who remain are fully committed to carrying forward this legacy. The T-shirt symbolizes our determination to never forget them and to keep fighting for the truth and justice for which they gave their lives.

I thank the Chief Rabbi for his strength and support. The memory of our sons and all the heroes will live forever, and their deeds will serve as a beacon of light for us even in the darkest of times.

08/01/2026

Why be afraid of anyone? Except for the one God!"

Earlier this week, Tu B'Av (15th of Av) was celebrated — a special day of love, unity, and unwavering faith in the Jewish calendar.

On this occasion, we share the new song and music video by Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman. Rabbi Azman is not only a beacon of spiritual strength for many in the hardest of times, but he is also the person who laid Benjamin (Nemo) Aser to rest in Kyiv last year. As he stated during the service: Benjamin sacrificed his life as a hero of the free world, and of the Jewish and Ukrainian people, standing up for truth.

This song carries the very inner strength and courage that Benjamin fought with: that even in the midst of darkness and threat, love and trust in the Almighty are what drive away all fear.

Please accept and listen with respect and love.

07/12/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of a fellow Canadian hero, Dante Johnson-Wells, who left the Canadian Armed Forces to join the defense of Ukraine and lost his life on the front lines. His family has started a fundraiser to bring him home to Canada and support his mother with the funeral costs. As Natan Aser, the father of Benjamin Aser (Nemo), and as a community that understands this profound loss, we ask that if you are able, please support his repatriation through the link below:

Hi, my name is Brock Henderson, im fundraising for my cousin Dante Johnson-Wells. A C… Brock Henderson needs your support for In Memory of Dante Johnson-Wells

07/07/2026

Today, I want to share a story with you that deeply touched my heart and reminded me of the beautiful way the memory of my son, Benjamin "Nemo" Aser, connects us with the Ukrainian people.

Recently, I decided to start learning the Ukrainian language. Not only because I am planning to travel to Kyiv again this September, but also because I want to honor Benjamin’s memory—on the land and in the language for which he gave his life serving with the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

For my language studies, I chose an app developed in Ukraine called UkrLingo. When their team learned about my story and why I started learning Ukrainian, they did something I never expected: they immediately activated a completely free, lifetime membership on my account. They wrote that this was the least they could do for a family that has made such an immense sacrifice for Ukraine.

I was deeply moved by their generosity, but on behalf of my son's foundation, I felt that I couldn't just remain a member of their community without contributing to their mission. Therefore, we sent them a small donation to show, even if in a small way, that we are working toward a shared cause every single day. Forward to Victory! I know that UkrLingo supports the Voices of Children foundation, which helps war-affected children, with a portion of their revenue. As the UkrLingo team beautifully put it, Benjamin fought for their future too, and it is our foundation's duty to support this project.

The story didn't end there.
The message from the UkrLingo team spoke to me of pure humanity, respect, and a cross-border community strength and unity.

Benjamin is no longer with us, but his memory and his sacrifice continue to build bridges. I am proud that by learning Ukrainian words, I can honor not only his memory but also the heroic struggle of the entire Ukrainian nation.

Thank you to the UkrLingo team for your support and hospitality. See you in Kyiv this September!
Heroes never die. Герої не вмирають.

Master Ukrainian vocabulary through interactive AI-powered lessons.

06/26/2026

🇨🇦🇺🇦 Victor Malarek presented his latest book, STOLEN

It was an honor to be present and to listen to the author. It is a duty for all of us to direct attention toward initiatives that shed light on the injustices and war crimes taking place in Ukraine.

Together with the Canadian and Canadian-Ukrainian community, we had the privilege of attending the book launch, where the renowned Canadian investigative journalist, Victor Malarek, introduced his newest political thriller, "STOLEN."

The book is based on real, deeply harrowing crimes, bringing to light the tragedy of the mass and systematic abduction of Ukrainian children.

This story reminds each and every one of us that we cannot remain silent.

Thank you to everyone who helps raise awareness for these voiceless victims. The stolen children must return to their homes!

06/21/2026

Crimean Tatar Flag Day in Toronto

Representing the Benjamin Aser Memorial Foundation, Natan Aser took part in the community run and picnic held in Toronto to mark Crimean Tatar Flag Day.

It was wonderful to run and talk with the community. Benjamin’s memory and solidarity with Ukraine live on in these shared Canadian moments. 🇺🇦🇨🇦🎗️ The event showed that Ukraine’s unity and its communities are unbreakable.