Ongoing Crisis In Ukraine

From the desk of Michael Siegal, Chair, Board of Trustees of The Jewish Federations of North America

Dear Friends,

Nearly a year has passed since pro-Russian separatists began battling Ukrainian forces in the eastern party of the country, and once again Jews are in danger. There are 5.2 million people living in conflict-affected areas and more than one million have fled their homes. Five thousand civilians have died and another 12,000 have been wounded. Thousands of Jews have either fled the region or remain trapped in the war zone.

  • For the first time since World War II, Jews in Europe are displaced. Nearly 2,000 Jews in eastern Ukraine have had to leave their homes and are unable to find safe havens.
  • In addition, 5,000 elderly and disabled Jews are trapped in their homes, unable to leave areas of conflict and cut off from the rest of the country.
  • For the increased number of Jews seeking to relocate to Israel, our partners are enhancing vital educational and community aliyah programs.

To date, Federations have raised and allocated more than $2.5 million to help Ukrainian Jews and support aliyah for those who want to relocate. But the community’s urgent unmet needs continue to grow.

This crisis speaks to the most fundamental reasons that Jewish Federations are so critical. We will not turn away. We are making a difference.

Thank you,

Michael Siegal

Chair, Board of Trustees

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