Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. In recent days, we have watched as they have fought bravely against the Russian onslaught. Their self-sacrifice as they fight to keep their country free has inspired the western world.
We have watched, and heard from Ukrainians from within their country, as their children die in the streets; as homes, hospitals and schools are destroyed; as food and supplies disappear from the shelves; and despite all this, women and the elderly join men of all ages to fight for their freedom and lives.
We have watched as Ukrainians return to their homeland from European nations in which they are working and studying to fight the Russian military, selflessly choosing possible death over losing their country’s freedom.
Ukrainians are fighting to the death for their homeland. At the same time, we see Ukrainian families escaping by the tens of thousands, trying to get their children to safety. Not since World War II has Europe seen such an unprovoked destruction of a modern society. A humanitarian crisis has unfolded before our eyes, a crisis of homelessness and starvation in which at present we can see no end.
We at Seaside Jewish Community stand with the Ukrainian people, and with the Ukrainian Jewish community, which faces a substantial threat under Russian rule. We know that from history. Many of them, too, are turning into refugees.
Ukraine is home to people of many faiths: Christians, Muslims and a proud Jewish community with an extraordinary and tragic history. And, now we see their heroic Jewish Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspiring all of the people to stand against Russian aggression.
On Wednesday morning, President Zelenskyy, speaking from a bunker, urged Jews across the world to speak out against Putin’s aggression: “… it is very important that millions of Jews around the world do not remain silent right now. Nazism is born in silence,” Zelensky said. “So, shout about the killings of civilians. Shout about the killings of Ukrainians.”
As Jews, and as human beings, we cannot be silent at a time like this, and urge you to stand up for the people of Ukraine and to assist their humanitarian needs. There are many ways in which we in the United States can offer support. Here is a list of some organizations to which you can donate.
● HIAS (hias.org) works with partners in Ukraine to help the displaced and all refugees.
● World Kitchen (wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine) for refugees on the border.
● Project Cure (projectcure.org ) supports hospitals and medical facilities in Ukraine.
● Jewish Federations, assisting the Jewish community of Ukraine (jewishfederations.org/crisis-in-ukraine2022).
May God spread a shelter of peace over the innocent citizens of Ukraine, and may humanity be moved to help and support them.
With prayers for Shalom, Peace,
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