We are now over six weeks into the conflict in Ukraine, which tragically continues with no apparent end in sight.
Along with our affiliated communities we are continuing to support refugees and internal displaced individuals, as well as coordinate our efforts with other Jewish organizations in the region.
A brief report recapping our actions taken over the past week follows below.
Situation in Ukraine
As WJC staff continue to work to coordinate as much humanitarian aid as possible, there unfortunately continues to be a scarcity of supplies. Large quantities of humanitarian aid are sorely needed, particularly by elderly and sick people who are unable to leave their homes but transporting these continues to be difficult. With the assistance and guidance from our affiliated communities, we are sending additional shipments of medical aid to the VAAD of Ukraine in Kyiv, which is coordinating local distribution efforts to the most vulnerable in the Jewish community. Among the Ukrainian communities’ most critical needs are medicine, food, sleeping bags and hygienic supplies.
Many are choosing to remain in Ukraine at the moment, as the situation on the ground is somewhat calmer than the first four weeks of the conflict. Although some markets and shops have recently begun to reopen, justified fears remain as to what may come next.
The WJC has received terrible graphic photos from VAAD of Ukraine depicting the horrors the residents of Bucha have faced; the WJC is of course ready to assist with what is needed in the region.
With Passover beginning next Friday night, the WJC is sending five tons of matzah to the VAAD of Ukraine and its affiliated communities and organizations for distribution with food parcels to families throughout Ukraine.
Communities in Neighboring Countries and Efforts of Affiliated Communities
In cooperation with our affiliated border communities, and Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, WJC staff are continuing in assisting Ukrainian refugees in finding shelter.
The affiliated communities are organizing programs, social activities and medical and psychological services for Ukrainian refugees. Communities are also hosting weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services and plan on hosting Passover sederim next week. Jewish schools are continuing to offer Russian speaking classes.
WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Action
Members of the WJC JDCorps have continued to assist those most affected by the crisis and provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced individuals.
Many families and individuals leaving Ukraine have received information and guidance from JDs to access transit routes out of the country to safety. Boxes of medicine such as insulin were delivered to VAAD (WJC’s affiliate community in Ukraine) in Kyiv. Individual JDs have taken refugees into their homes and helped refugees obtain work and stay permits for six months in the EU.
In addition, in preparation for Passover, JDs are coordinating efforts to ship Russian and Ukrainian language Haggadot for refugees in Slovakia.
As we continue to mourn the loss of life, our prayers go out to all of those in need and affected by this ongoing tragedy.
Communities are also hosting weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services and plan on hosting Passover sederim next week In addition, in preparation for Passover, JDs are coordinating efforts to ship Russian and Ukrainian language Haggadot for refugees in Slovakia. With Passover beginning next Friday night, the WJC is sending five tons of matzah to the VAAD of Ukraine and its affiliated communities and organizations for distribution with food parcels to families throughout Ukraine.
