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Rivne, a city in Western Ukraine, is home to nearly 250,000 people, including several thousand Jews. In the first days of the current crisis, a heavy missile strike left 20 people dead and nine injured; in June, four more people were killed. The city was hit on two other occasions over the past couple of years; fortunately no one was injured and the property damage was not significant.
Rivne changed hands several times among warring nations. During World War I and the succeeding years, the city was ruled by the Germans, Ukrainians, Bolsheviks and Poles. World War II brought great tragedy. In 1941, when the Nazi’s took control of the city, 50% of the residents were Jewish. In June, 1941, a Gestapo prison was opened, and six months later nearly 25,000 men, women and children were killed. The remaining Jewish population met the same fate before the end of the year. In 1944, the city was captured by the Russians and remained part of the Soviet Union until 1991.
Rivne is an important transportation hub, and includes an international airport and rail links to other major cities. Several large companies have factories in the city, making it a center for job opportunities.
The Jewish community in Rivne has grown over the past couple of years, as many displaced individuals and families are drawn to the relative peace of Western Ukraine. JRNU has been providing critical humanitarian aid of all kinds including food, medicine, clothes and household items. The staff and volunteers have been instrumental in distributing holiday packages, glasses, children’s backpacks and winter items. Additionally, we have assisted with temporary housing, medical care and much more!
With your help we continue to help the people all across Ukraine, saving lives and restoring hope.
