Dear Shames JCC Community,
The Russian incursion in Ukraine has left many of us in shock and despair. This crisis is occurring against a backdrop of unprecedented global displacement and will have global implications.
Ukraine has a long and vibrant history of Jewish life. It hosts the fourth largest Jewish community in Europe. Ukraine is the only country besides Israel with a Jewish president and prime minister. Throughout history, Ukrainian Jews have also faced crises, from the Nazi invasion to the pogroms. Now once again, they are forced to flee, along with their fellow Ukrainian citizens.
At a time when we feel frightened and helpless, here are some ways we can donate to organizations on the ground having impact:
- The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JCD) is the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization and is currently active in more than 1,000 locations across the Ukraine. Donate to emergency fundraising efforts here.
- World Central Kitchen is in Poland providing hot meals to families fleeing Ukraine. Donate here.
- The International Rescue Committee is a leading INGO working in conflict and crisis settings. Donate to their Ukraine response here.
- The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society works around the world to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands. Donate to their Ukraine response here.
We will continue to monitor meaningful opportunities for engagement and inform our community as the situation evolves.
As always, we hope for peace, justice, and a cessation of violence.
Best wishes,
The Shames JCC Leadership Team
