Ukrainian restaurateur Gera Wise (second from left) co-founded the Meals for Frontlines effort that delivers food for essential workers in hospitals and police departments in New York City, the United States.

Gera Wise has lived in many places. Born and raised in Kyiv, he moved with his family to Israel when he was 18. Ten years later, he moved again — this time, to the United States.

In the ensuing 16 years, America has become his home, he says. It has also given him many opportunities. Today, 44-year-old Wise is a restaurateur who owns two eateries in New York City.