LOOKING BACK AT ONE YEAR OF THE UKRAINE CONFLICT
Over the past year, you stepped forward for the people of Ukraine as they have been victimized by a horrifying conflict. Friday, February 24, 2023 marks one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Jewish Palm Beach has made an extraordinary difference in supporting the people of Ukraine. Thousands have contributed to our longtime work across the former Soviet Union and donated to our additional, life-saving relief efforts that we launched in the hours after Russia’s invasion. Together, these gifts have helped to fuel a global relief effort that has cared for tens of thousands of people in Ukraine and helped those leaving do so safely and with vital support. While our focus has remained on Ukraine’s significant Jewish population, we have provided care for people of all faiths who have been affected by this crisis.
Powered by you, Federation has played a significant role in a global effort over the last year – along with other Federations and our partners JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel. Together, we have provided life-saving care for Jews in Ukraine, Jewish refugees and non-Jewish Ukrainians:
- We have continued to operate transit centers at Ukraine’s borders, coordinated by hundreds of volunteers, which have evacuated thousands of people and provided desperately-needed food, medicine, shelter and guidance. In addition, our partners’ emergency hotlines have fielded nearly 70,000 requests for help, and 20,000 refugees have benefited from provided medical aid and psychosocial support.
- Our partners have facilitated nearly 50,000 olim (immigrants to Israel) from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus – the largest single wave of Aliyah in three decades.
- Jewish Palm Beach provided a special grant to fund employment programs in Israel for olim so they can thrive in their new homes. These programs include Hebrew language courses, housing, job training in a variety of sectors and job placement.
- During this harsh winter in Ukraine, we’ve provided thousands with survival needs to stay warm, fed and protected. JDC has converted community centers into warming centers for people who do not have access to heat or electricity. These shelters offer refuge, as well as community to poor, vulnerable and isolated Jews.
- In the Palm Beaches’ partner community of Budapest, the JCC there is serving as a refugee center and a place for the local community to donate supplies. Powered by a grant that we supplied, the JCC Budapest is providing childcare, trauma relief and education programs for refugees who have found safety in Budapest. Click here to learn more about our budding partnership with Budapest’s vibrant Jewish community, and click here to see photos from our recent young leadership mission to Budapest. Stay tuned for more information about another upcoming leadership journey to Budapest.
- Locally, we are caring for Ukrainian refugees who have found safety in the Palm Beaches. Federation’s Career & Community Resources – through our partnership with Alpert Jewish Family Service and Catholic Charities – are helping refugees who have immigrated to the Palm Beaches. One young Ukrainian woman moved to our community with limited knowledge of English, no local connections nor transportation. We helped her find appropriate housing, supported her in acquiring a scholarship to Palm Beach State College, and aided her in navigating how to select a major most aligned with her interests and goals.
- Another story is of Xenia, a six-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was living in Jupiter with her mother while her father was back at war. Our local partner organization the Mandel JCC got in touch with Xenia’s mother and enrolled her daughter at Camp Shalom. Since Xenia couldn’t swim, the JCC provided her with private swim lessons. This experience provided a sense of normalcy for Xenia during an incredibly trying time for her family.
Much of our work will continue for many months and even years to come. On behalf of the tens of thousands of people for whom you have cared and offered hope – thank you.
