The tragic conflict in Ukraine continues unabated.
Along with our Jewish community representatives in Ukraine, we are continuing to monitor conditions on the ground, as well as coordinate our efforts with other Jewish organizations in the region.
This week, the WJC Ukrainian Crisis Management Team also held a meeting with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and separately also with the Jewish Agency for Israel to discuss cooperation and coordination.
According to Ukrainian government officials, the Drobytsky Yar Holocaust memorial near Kharkiv was damaged as a result of Russian bombardments. Social media posts revealed the tragic destruction of the Holocaust memorial.
A brief report of the actions taken over the past week follows.
Situation in Ukraine
Although we are working around the clock to coordinate as much humanitarian aid as possible, there continues to be a dearth of supplies and large quantities of supplies remain unavailable where they are most needed. Fortunately, we are continuing to send additional shipments of medical aid to the VAAD of Ukraine in Kyiv, which is then distributed to the most vulnerable in the Jewish community. VAAD has assembled a list of needs, primarily medicine, food, sleeping bags and hygienic supplies, and the WJC is coordinating the logistics to distribute them.
As the situation on the ground is somewhat calmer than the first four weeks of the conflict, not many Ukrainians are choosing to leave Ukraine at the moment and some markets and shops are re-opening. Still there is great uncertainty and fear of what may be next.
In preparation for Passover, the WJC is also overseeing the coordination of four to five tons of matzah to the VAAD of Ukraine and its affiliated communities and organizations.
Communities in Neighboring Countries and Efforts of Affiliated Communities
WJC staff are cooperating closely with border communities, Jewish and non-Jewish organizations to help Ukrainian refugees find shelter. We are grateful to all our affiliates for their helpfulness in providing housing and informational resources for all refugees.
WJC affiliated communities are organizing programs for Ukrainian children, as well as social activities and medical and psychological services. Communities are hosting Kabbalat Shabbat services and planning Passover sederim for refugees. Jewish schools are also offering Russian speaking classes
WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Action
Members of the WJC JDCorps have also continued their tireless efforts to help all those most affected by the crisis and continue to provide much needed humanitarian assistance and helping refugees.
We continue to mourn the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this ongoing tragedy.
