The Israeli government allocated NIS 10 million ($3.07 million) in aid to Ukraine’s Jewish community amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.
“This decision comes from the unique mandate of the State of Israel, and in particular, its Diaspora Ministry, as the nation-state of the Jewish people, to support Jewish individuals and communities in harm’s way,” the Diaspora Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
The announcement came as Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, where he pledged Israel’s humanitarian assistance.
In recent weeks, Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai and his team have been in ongoing contact with Jewish community leaders and partners in Israel and on the ground to monitor the evolving situation and evaluate needs.
“It’s become quite clear at this stage that both immediate and ongoing support are needed,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, support will focus on for main areas: security, food and medicine, absorption of refugees and transportation.
“We are following developments in the area with great concern. Our hearts are with the Jewish people of Ukraine. We will continue to closely monitor the needs and developments in the field, and respond accordingly,” Shai said.
