The ongoing crisis has significantly impacted all Ukrainian residents, including Jews: shelter, safety, food, and medical care are just some of the ongoing challenges they face.
Many Jews, like others in the country, have been forced to flee their homes and communities, seeking safety in other parts of Ukraine or abroad. In the early days of the war, JRNU and other Jewish organizations played a crucial role in evacuating Jews from danger zones and facilitating their immigration to Israel and other countries.
The war has created a dire humanitarian crisis. Ukraine's economy has been severely impacted, with a shortage of employment opportunities and diminished living standards. High inflation, a significant budget deficit, and mounting public debt pose challenges to ongoing economic stability.
The war has caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure across the country, creating a dire housing crisis. And the trauma of displacement, separation from family members, and the loss of loved ones can have long-lasting psychological effects. Many people, adults and children, experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD, requiring specialized support and resources that are costly and scarce.
For many people, the conflict has prompted a renewed engagement with their Jewish identity; others have come into the synagogue and Jewish Community Centers for the first time. Despite the challenges, our Jewish institutions and communities continue to function, and we have taken on a critical role as the primary providers of aid and support. The food, medical care, home repairs, and social services that we distribute and arrange are lifelines for thousands of people. In some cities the Jewish communities have increased in size substantially, as people relocate away from the most dangerous parts of the country. These shifts have led to the construction of new facilities, the expansion of programs, and enhanced demand for our help.
Thousands of Jewish men are serving their country, leaving women alone at home to care for the families. Tragically, more than 100 Jewish Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the beginning of the war, and many more have been injured. The impact on their families, including young children and elderly parents is hard to overstate.
We look forward to a resolution of the current crisis, and will be prepared to assist in the rebuilding efforts, to foster a vibrant and sustainable Jewish presence. The extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, and industries will require massive reconstruction efforts and financing.
In the meantime, the situation remains fluid and evolving, with the long-term impact on Ukraine's Jewish community still unclear. However, the resilience of the people and our ongoing efforts provide a sense of hope for the future. We will continue to provide vital humanitarian aid and support, addressing people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
We are grateful for our generous donors who make our work possible, saving lives and restoring hope.
