(DENVER) — Six-months after Russia invaded Ukraine, JEWISHcolorado has issued a summary of the impact of its campaign for Ukraine relief which has raised nearly a half million dollars to date. “We know the need is great and will be ongoing, both in Ukraine, Russia, and in Israel,” said Rabbi Jay Strear, President & CEO of JEWISHcolorado. “We continue to stand by our fellow Jews and others so deeply impacted by Russia’s invasion.” 

The funds raised in Colorado are part of Jewish Federations of North America’s emergency campaign that has raised a collective $73.5 million to date from across the Federation system. These funds have been directed to more than 50 NGOs providing humanitarian aid and relief to Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine and neighboring countries, as well as to new immigrants in Israel. In June, Jewish Federations estimated that their partner organizations’ total needs for the Ukraine efforts will amount to $99 million in 2022 alone.  

Some notable figures of impact of the collective emergency campaign across the Federation system over the past six months include:  

• 1,212 tons (just over 2.7 million pounds) of medical equipment, clothing, food and hygiene products have been distributed  
• 239,851 people have been fed  
• 80,817 people have been evacuated away from danger zones  
• 399,902 calls for assistance have been received via special hotlines  
• 32,325 new immigrants have arrived in Israel from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus  

“Jewish Federations’ collective response to this crisis has been tremendous, as is demonstrated by the dozens of NGOs we have supported and the number of lives on the ground we have impacted,” said President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America Eric Fingerhut. “The scale of devastation is massive and though these needs will keep growing, our system will continue to respond to these needs, to alleviate pain and suffering and to provide essential care and support to Ukrainian refugees.”  

A total of $61 million has already been distributed to Jewish Federations’ core partners The Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World ORT, as well as dozens of other organizations providing critical rescue and relief to Ukrainian refugees of all backgrounds. Funding has supported emergency operational costs, temporary housing and transportation costs, security, humanitarian support and trauma relief, and aliyah and absorption.  

Jewish Federations were uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis due to long-term support of their partner agencies operating in Ukraine and neighboring countries, which has provided the infrastructure to support vulnerable Jewish communities and to respond to emergencies that arise.  

JEWISHcolorado is the local umbrella agency serving Jewish organizations and communities statewide, and worldwide. JEWISHColorado’s mission is to build community and create connections among Jewish people in Colorado, Israel, and around the world.  

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