Updated: Here’s how to help the Jews of Ukraine

JTA STAFF

(JTA) — In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Jewish organizations are directing aid for tens of thousands of Jews living in the embattled country, assisting refugees who are fleeing the fighting and helping area Jews who have been trying or are hoping to immigrate to Israel.

Below is a partial list of organizations that have ramped up ongoing efforts in the region or opened emergency mailboxes since the start of the war.

–Jewish Federation of St. Louis, through its longtime partners JDC and JAFI, has been working to support the critical and emergency needs in Ukraine. “The Jewish communities in North America have raised almost $20 million to support the people and Jewish communities in this affected area and we have done our share as a community, raising almost $500,000 through our Ukraine Emergency Fund,” said Jewish Federation of St. Louis President and CEO Brian Herstig. “And we just learned that our sister region in Israel, Yokneam, welcomed two families from the area and expect more in the weeks and months to follow. Please know that 100% of all monies donated to our Ukraine Crisis Fund will go directly to the needs in Ukraine.” Donate at https://www.jfedstl.org/crisis-in-ukraine/

-The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has a longstanding presence in the country, assisting impoverished seniors and supporting a network of Jewish community centers and social service agencies.

-The Afya Foundation, in conjunction with UJA-Federation of New York, is preparing urgently needed wound care, surgical equipment and biomedical equipment to be shipped to Ukraine.

-The American Jewish Committee’s emergency #StandWithUkraine fund is pledging to direct 100 percent of the funds to those meeting urgent needs in Ukraine, including  IsraAID, the rapid response Israeli relief agency, which is assisting refugees of all backgrounds in neighboring Moldova.

HIAS is  working through channels within the U.S. and throughout Europe to support the safe and speedy resettlement of those seeking to leave Ukraine.

-Notes of support and friendship to HIAS and Jewish community center staff in Ukraine can be sent to general inboxes at partner JCCs that are located throughout the Ukraine.

-The Jewish Agency for Israel has opened an emergency hotline to provide Ukrainian Jews with guidance and information regarding the immigration process, as well as general assistance.

-The Chabad-Lubavitch movement has a Ukraine Jewish Relief Fund.

There are, of course, other ways to help out Ukrainians as the country’s war with Russia wages on. The International Committee of the Red Cross is one high-profile organization involved in the efforts to help Ukrainians. A list crowd-sourced by Ukrainians recommends local organizations, such as:

Razom for Ukraine is raising funds to put more volunteers on the ground who will deliver “essential equipment and goods” as well as assist in translating important documents, the organization said.

United Help of Ukraine aims to provide life-saving first-aid kits to the front lines, and “prepare humanitarian aid to civilians.”

Sunflower of Peace is asking for donations to pay for backpacks filled with medical equipment. In the hands of front-line doctors and paramedics “each backpack has the ability to save up to 10 lives: Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, volunteers, and children.”

Revived Soldiers Ukraine is dedicated to giving medical assistance to soldiers and their families, and equipping military hospitals with items needed to care for the wounded.

To donate to Ukraine’s war effort more directly, support Come Back Alive. “One of the most trustworthy” military charities in the nation, according to the Kyiv Independent, Come Back Alive helps equip soldiers with “specialized software, drones, personal body protection, training, and other supplies.”


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