SAN DIEGO — On Thursday, Heidi Gantwerk, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, and Jack Maizel, the Federation’s board chair, released the following update on the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
“Through our global partners, Jewish Federation of San Diego County is closely monitoring the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are deeply concerned for the safety of all civilians, including some 200,000 Jews in the region.
“Our partners—the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World ORT—are coordinating efforts to respond. JFNA also is tracking potential vulnerabilities within the Russian Jewish community which might emerge in response to the Israeli position supporting Ukraine.
“JFNA reports that the exact nature and number of services needed as well as how many people will request or require different forms of assistance is not yet clear, but they are quickly getting a handle on some of the essential infrastructure and staffing costs that these operations will incur. An emergency campaign is underway–click here to make your donation. Our partners will utilize this support in a variety of ways, including:
- Maintaining critical welfare services
- Emergency aliyah and community security
- Temporary housing for those in transit
- Stockpiling goods
- Satellite phones to ensure communication
- Ensuring staff at Jewish school are safe and prepared to respond
- Medical staff supports
With your support, we are ready to help. We also will closely follow all developments and will update you with any pertinent information.
“We are all part of Kehilat Yisrael. Whenever and wherever one Jew is threatened, we are all responsible to come to their aid. While we pray for peace, we also work to help all those in danger.”
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County