Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Ukraine and its people have suffered unimaginable hardship and sorrow. They have been uprooted from their communities, lost family and friends, and fought for their very survival. But daily struggle and an uncertain future didn’t diminish the strength and resiliency of the Ukrainian people. Here are some of the stories about our partners on the frontline that inspired us to continue our work to support a vibrant and secure future for Jews across the globe:

• Jewish Federation volunteers helped youth traumatized by war find peace and fun at summer camp
• JDC and the American Jewish community help Ukrainian Jews, refugees find light even in the darkest of times
• With the help of the Jewish Agency, JFNA, and others, over 400 Ukrainian Jews have arrived in Israel since the start of the war

Helping those in need is a universal and central part of Judaism. As the war continues to rage on, it is our collective duty as a Jewish people to ensure that those who need help know we are here for them in their time of need.

You can help through JEWISHcolorado’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, every dollar of which goes to support our global partners working on the ground in Ukraine. 

Our partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, has provided this update on how they have helped since the war began.

As of December 2022, The Jewish Agency has provided the following rescue and Aliyah services, and humanitarian aid:

• Transferred our local offices from Kyiv to Lviv in order to continue safely providing emergency services to refugees.
• Fielded 156,224 calls from Ukrainian and Russian Jews seeking help through our 24-hour hotline.
• Arranged 455 bus and security convoys to take 13,742 Ukrainian Jews on the often treacherous routes out of the country.
• Set up a total of six transit centers over the borders of Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova, and one in Western Ukraine. As of December, two transit centers remain active in Poland and Hungary. An additional center is located in Moldova which is supported by The Jewish Agency and IFCJ.
• Purchased satellite phones to serve as a reliable method of communication during rescue operations.
• Coordinated 450 volunteers to help refugees in transit centers.
• Provided 290,000 meals to refugees in transit centers.
• Distributed 354 tons of clothing and toiletries to refugees.
• Administered 3,000 hours of medical and mental health services to refugees.
• Facilitated the Aliyah of more than 54,037 immigrants from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus as of the end of November 2022 – making it the single largest wave of Aliyah in over 20 years.