The Jewish Federations of North America condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the country’s entire population, including the Jewish community. We pray for safety for all, and for a speedy end to the hostilities.

We are working to get help to those in need as quickly as possible through our partner organizations, The Jewish Agency for Israel, JDC, and World ORT, which have mobilized their extensive operations on the ground.

Together we have been preparing for this worst-case scenario for weeks.

Plans now in motion rely on the strong presence built up through years of Federation support that is today serving as a critical lifeline to help protect and safeguard Ukraine’s Jewish community, the many important Jewish organizations working in Ukraine, as well as Jews in neighboring countries.

As the crisis in Ukraine escalates, thousands have come under fire in areas across the country. Thousands more have fled the fighting. Federations are planning to allocate millions of dollars to our partner agencies on the ground. Immediate and short term needs already total more than $16 million.

The Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor has already taken decisive action and unanimously voted to contribute $10,000 from our Community Emergency Fund to support the Jews of Ukraine. But meeting the enormous need that now exists will take our entire Jewish community.