The humanitarian crisis created by the war in Ukraine evokes a full spectrum of emotions. Acknowledging the historic, cultural-and-religious-implications of military conflict in Eastern Europe, we understand that all in our local community share a profound desire to help those who are suffering. Our thoughts are particularly with those in the Ukrainian and Russian-speaking communities.
At this critical time, PJCC is leaning into the spirit of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). We offer these vetted resources to make donations supporting organizations working in-country, and in nearby Eastern European nations serving displaced Ukrainians. Additionally, we suggest two learning resources to better understand the situation in Ukraine, and how to have age-appropriate discussions with children to help them process their feelings about the war.
Thank you for holding hope in your heart for all afflicted, and for joining PJCC in affirming the power of Tikkun Olam to make meaningful change where it is most needed. Please give generously!
HUMANITARIAN AID DONATIONS:
Crisis in Ukraine – Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
When you donate to the Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, 100% of your donation will go to Joint Distribution Committee, the Federation’s global humanitarian partner. Your gift will assist internally displaced people and refugees in multiple locations, including in Ukraine and neighboring countries. It will also provide uninterrupted welfare services to 40,000 poor, home and bed-bound Jewish elderly and at-risk families including food, medicine, winter relief and homecare.
Hebrew Free Loans – Ukraine Assistance
Interest-free loans to assist family and friends in Ukraine and those who have become refugees. Available to Jewish residents of Northern California or employees of Jewish organizations who need help to support loved ones amidst the conflict.
IsraAID – Emergency Support for Ukrainian Refugees
IsraAID, a program partner of the PJCC, is an international non-governmental humanitarian aid organization based in Israel. IsraAID’s emergency response team has been in Moldova since late February providing urgent relief for Ukrainian mothers and children at the border and in shelters around the country.
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
A HIAS response team was in Poland and now in Ukraine assessing ways to assist Ukrainians – Jews and others – crossing into Poland and other neighboring countries.
World Central Kitchen
WCK began serving hot, nourishing meals within hours of the initial invasion and are now set up at eight border crossings across Ukraine. Additionally, they are supporting local restaurants preparing meals in eight Ukrainian cities, and they have teams on the ground in Romania, Moldova and Hungary.
Humane Society International
HSI is supporting local rescue groups on the ground in Ukraine and in neighboring nations to rescue companion and farm animals devastated by the war. HSI takes a local approach and is supporting with funding, supplies, and trained veterinary personnel.
LEARNING:
Special Learning Event – Live from Ukraine
Join a discussion on Monday, March 21 at 11:00 am about the humanitarian and refugee crisis, war-time impact to Jewish life, and a live update from Ukraine – Jews and Putin’s War on Ukraine: Making Sense of the Current Crisis with Dr. Natan Meir & Meylakh Sheykhet. Register here for this free, online event presented by JCCSF.
How to Talk with Children about Ukraine
Many children are hearing about Ukraine on the news and at school, and it is a very heavy topic for them to unpack and process – some may feel fear and uncertainty in their own lives as a result. Listen here for a discussion with Bay Area youth educators about how to create safe space for children to ask questions and explore their feelings.
