Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

A special briefing on the situation in Ukraine was held on Tuesday featuring experts from Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel and National Coalition Supporting Eurasion Jewry. The webinar was presented by United Jewish Appeal Federation New York and the Jewish Federations of North America.

Mark Levin, executive vice chairman and CEO of NCSEJ, shared letters from President Zelensky’s office and the mayor of Kiev both of which expressed a need for more weapons and that the political landscape is changing “minute by minute.” Levin stated, “Now it the time to stand on the right side of history.” Putin’s accusations that Ukraine must be “denazified,” were completely untrue. Less than five percent of the citizens of Ukraine are critical of Jews.

Stefan Oscar, executive director of JDC’s former Soviet Union Operation, spoke from within the Ukraine. He expressed that getting food to those stranded is essential. The vast majority of the Jewish people are still at home, living in shelters or the subway. Maintaining communication between the Jewish organizations is paramount and is working. Many who are mobile have evacuated to bordering countries. Refugee site areas are being set up and need funds for beds, food and medical supplies.

Oscar also expressed that there is mass solidarity among Jews in other countries, for which he is grateful. He is hopeful that the next step will be helping with recovery.

Roman Polonsky, regional director of the Jewish Agency Activities in the FSU (Former Soviet Union), Eastern and Central Europe, and Germany, shard that there are 90 Jewish Agency workers in Ukraine to handle aliyah. Working with the American Jewish Joint Distribtuion, Keren Hayesod, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and JFNA, their main function is to provide aliyah to those who want it; secure the local community organization by providing funds; and to assist the Israel government as needed.

“We will help no matter what their intentions are whether to make aliyah or go elsewhere,” he said.

Cell phones were distributed to as many people as they could reach and within 72 hours they received 6,000 calls — 5,000 were requesting aliyah.

What is needed is $20 million to provide for transportation, security, a Transit Center, temporary housing, emergency assistance, and aliyah flights.

Danielle Mor of the Warsaw Jewish Refugee Center is also helping people make aliyah. He said they receive between 160-200 phone calls daily from those who want to make aliyah.

On a local level, how can this Jewish community help? Mark Wilf of JFNA said the best thing we can do is contact our local Federation (www.jfgo.org) to see how to help of how to make a donation. He also strongly encouraged people to get in touch with their congressmen and the White House, and express how important it is to support Ukraine.