Ukraine

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, Milwaukee Jewish Federation has raised 583,000 for humanitarian aid and relief for Ukrainians. The fundraising is part of the $85 million system-wide total that Jewish Federations of North America have collectively raised for emergency operational costs, temporary housing and transportation for evacuations, security, humanitarian support, trauma and medical relief, and immigration and absorption in Israel.

Those dollars made the following impact:

• 500,000 people were supported with humanitarian assistance and relief
• 700,000 meals were distributed
• 65,000 people were supported in immigrating to Israel
• 130,000 people received medical care
• 4,000 medical and mental health professionals received training
• 120 volunteer placements were made to aid refugees in Europe

Funds from Jewish Federations’ system-wide Ukraine relief have been allocated to their core partner agencies, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), The Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT, as well as to over 85 NGOs operating on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries. In addition to providing humanitarian aid for refugees and leading a volunteer hub, Jewish Federations also advocated for expanded refugee rights and resettlement in the U.S.

Jewish Federations were uniquely positioned to respond immediately and effectively to the crisis due to their long presence in the region supporting their partners in Ukraine and neighboring countries.  They continue to provide critical support for internal and external displaced Ukrainians, housing, security, and necessities as the war continues into its second year. Please consider supporting this endeavor.

Please consider a one-time gift to our Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund — 100% of your donation will go to assist the relief efforts for the Jewish community in Ukraine and future resettlement of Ukrainians here in Wisconsin.

Winter 22-23 Update:
Jewish Ukraine – From Winter Relief to Winter Survival

It is because we’re always there, day after day, year after year, that we can deliver hope and help now when it is so desperately needed! But additional support is needed now.

Why Federation?

Many organizations are seeking funds for the crisis in Ukraine. Why choose Federation? We were there for decades before the crisis started so we could respond effectively once the unthinkable occurred.
 
We have long standing relationships with Jewish organizations that are deeply rooted in Ukraine and the region. Over the past decade alone, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation has invested $15 million in serving global Jewry.

Why give today?

The estimated 200,000 Jews living in Ukraine have been profoundly affected by the political and economic instability that have wracked the country.

Thousands are trapped in conflict zones. Thousands more have fled the fighting. Federations are planning to allocate millions of dollars to our partner agencies on the ground. But the urgent needs continue.

Immediate and short-term needs include:

-Helping people make Aliyah to Israel
-Securing the local community and its institutions
-Maintaining critical welfare services
-Assisting internally displaced people in multiple locations
-Securing temporary housing for people in transit
-Purchasing satellite phones to maintain communications across the region
-Securing five Jewish schools and training staff to manage crisis needs

Jewish Ukraine: A Special Briefing for Jewish Milwaukee

Watch below for a special, in-depth briefing on the crisis in Ukraine. Made for, and by, members of the Milwaukee Jewish community, this briefing from March 2022 focused on the Jewish community in Ukraine, evacuation work, and efforts to provide aid and supplies to the region.

How to Support Ukrainian Newcomers

Many in our community have asked us how they can learn more about supporting Ukrainian newcomers, such as forming Welcome Circles or becoming a sponsor: 

• For questions about how to formally sponsor newcomers, contact Basha Silverman, Senior Advisor, Ukraine and Resettlement, at JFNA. basha.silverman@jewishfederations.org, 215-240-7627   

• For questions about how to start a Welcome Circle, contact Isabel Burton, Senior Director for Community Engagement Initiatives, at HIAS. isabel.burton@hias.org, 212-613-1307 

• For questions about Jewish Family Services’ support of Ukrainian newcomers, contact Kevin Boland, Director of Social Services, at JFS in Milwaukee. kboland@jfsmilw.org, 414-225-1208

Thank you to those who joined us on August 10th for our briefing. View a recording of the event below.

Event Chair: Tanya Arbit