Organization for Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine


The Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine was formed on October 27, 1946 at a conference of representatives from various Ukrainian American organizations in New York City. Founding member and first president, Mr. Yevhen Liakhovych, an engineer by training and a proponent of Ukrainian nation's right to self-determination and independence from the Soviet Union, established the ODFFU to support the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine.
The Founding of ODFFU
The ‘Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine, Inc.’ was founded on October 27, 1946, at a conference of representatives from various Ukrainian American organizations in New York City. Under the leadership of Yevhen Liakhovych, the ODFFU was formed to support the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine.
Throughout the years of its existence, ODFFU grew from a small group of dedicated individuals with one branch in Newark, New Jersey, to a large national organization with over 57 branches located in the most populated Ukrainian-American areas of the USA.
In 1990, Ukraine declared its sovereignty and in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence. Ukraine was finally free, but not quite democratic. In 2004, with the “Orange Revolution”, Ukraine stepped onto the road to true democracy. And the ODFFU today continues its work to make sure the four freedoms are a part of this new Ukraine.
Ideology of the ODFFU
The name and the ideology of the ‘Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine’ is based on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘Four Freedoms’ address before the United States Congress on January 25, 1941. This speech was the basis for the strategic partnership of the United States and Great Britain that was embodied in the declaration known as the ‘Atlantic Charter’.
The four freedoms are:
1) Freedom of Speech
2) Freedom of Conscience
3) Freedom from Fear
4) Freedom from Want
These freedoms are the basis for the health and development of modern civilized societies that must be preserved and adopted by all nations of the world.
1) Freedom of Speech- This idea represents not only the rights of individuals, but also the rights of a free nation to freely formulate its ideas and development.
2) Freedom of Conscience- This cannot exist while one is under any type of physical occupation. Freedom of Conscience only exists when one embodies a belief in God and freedom of religion.
3) Freedom from Fear- Individuals must have the right to freely develop their political, social, cultural and economic institutions, which they feel will benefit their nation.
4) Freedom from Want- This can only be achieved by having a government that provides opportunities for people to have access to the means of development and growth economically.
The name is based upon President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms Address before the US Congress on January 25, 1941. This speech formed the basis of a strategic partnership between the United States and Great Britain that became embodied in a declaration known as the Atlantic Charter. Following an extensive remodelling at the National Archives, President Roosevelt's speech sits alongside America's founding documents like the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.
The ODFFU grew from a small group of dedicated individuals with one branch in the city of Newark, NJ in 1946, to a large national organization with over 57 branches located throughout the United States.
In 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, sealing the fate of the Soviet Union and bringing about an end to the Cold War. In 2004, with the "Orange Revolution" Ukraine stepped onto the road to democracy. The ODFFU continues its work to ensure the four freedoms are part of Ukraine today.