Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Kyiv honors Jewish Federations of North America for war-relief support

Trees have been planted in Ukraine’s capital recognizing both countries and groups that have contributed.

Blossoming Japanese cherry trees. Credit: Pixabay.
Blossoming Japanese cherry trees. Credit: Pixabay.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is among groups and countries recognized in Kyiv and honored by the planting of seven Japanese cherry trees in the Ukrainian capital.

The countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Lithuania, Israel, Poland and Germany. The trees, planted in Independence Square, have been dubbed an “Avenue of International Aid.”

On the Israel tree, JFNA and the Israel Trauma Coalition are both named with a QR code provided for more information.

JFNA stated: “We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s people and ensuring that their communities have the backing they need in the face of relentless adversity.”

The charitable umbrella organization has raised $90 million to support Ukraine’s people since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. Funds raised provide for such services as emergency operations, temporary housing, transportation, security and medical relief.

Independence Square in Kyiv
Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: Tiia Monto via Wikimedia Commons.

There was never a question whether bar and bat mitzvahs were going to continue, says Rabbi Marla Hornsten at Temple Israel, despite the havoc that had teachers and children evacuate the building.
“We will not rest in the mission to stop the spread of radical Islam,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated.
The panel conducts research on antisemitic activity and works with public and private entities on statewide initiatives on Holocaust and genocide education.
“If it’s something that families are attuned to, then I think it may be a good way to engage the kids on that level,” Rabbi Steven Burg, of Aish, told JNS.
“I was a little surprised at the U.K. to be honest with you,” U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House. “They should have acted a lot faster.”
“It is imperative that university administrators rise to the occasion to take a firm stand against antisemitism and racial violence,” Sen. Bill Cassidy wrote.