As the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, Jewish National Fund-USA’s MAKOM Communities have traveled to the Ukrainian border to support local Jewish communities in need. In Israel, the organization has families already lined up to welcome Jewish Ukrainian refugees into their homes.
At the border, MAKOM’s volunteers are:
- Recruiting Ukrainian and Russian-speaking volunteers who are locating and providing proper shelter for women and children.
- Distributing 1,770 lbs of food, 170 lbs of baby formula, 440 lbs of sweets and snacks, blankets, and diapers, as well as children’s toys, to be distributed to refugees that fled Ukraine.
- Providing Ukrainian and Russian-speaking psychologists for anyone who needs mental health assistance, especially children.
- Preparing for the absorption of immigrants and refugees from Ukraine in all MAKOM communities in Israel while recruiting local volunteers.
Chairman of MAKOM Communities, Stas Mardechayev said: “Our hearts go out to the thousands of Jews in Ukraine who are taking shelter or seeking refuge at the border. We are so incredibly proud of our MAKOM members for stepping up and providing much-needed aid to their Ukrainian Jewish brothers and sisters when they need it most.”
Chair of Jewish National Fund-USA’s MAKOM Communities Task Force, Beth Banks Cohn added: “I am so proud to be affiliated with MAKOM Communities through Jewish National Fund-USA. From providing underprivileged children with laptops so they can learn from home to delivering Tu Bishvat kits to local residents, supporting their Jewish brethren is in their DNA. MAKOM’s assistance with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine is yet another example of our community understanding that we are all responsible for one another.”
An important Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, MAKOM supports grassroots community groups in the Negev and Galilee that bring individuals and groups from all sectors of society together to share knowledge, collaborate on initiatives, create dialogue amongst diverse populations, and work together to promote greater social cohesion.
To support MAKOM Communities’ efforts in Ukraine, go to jnf.org/makom
