EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF JEWISH COMMUNITIES- Special Ukraine Appeal

Dear Friends,

We are all concerned by the troubling events unfolding around Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, I wanted to share with you that ECJC is working in full partnership with our colleagues at HIAS, JDC and other NGOs in the area, all working through the channels throughout Europe to support the safe and speedy relocation of those seeking to leave Ukraine. We are asking your organisation to support Ukrainian citizens who have serious concerns about their own safety and those of their loved ones. We kindly ask you to facilitate relocation services within some of your community venues or family houses for those fleeing the war zone.

Additionally, you may be aware that Ukraine is home to one of the world’s largest Jewish communities with estimates of up to 200,000 Jews concentrated in the country’s four largest cities and spread across dozens of smaller cities and towns in every corner of the country. There is an established network of Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) throughout the Ukraine, many that provide a full range of social services and emergency assistance support for vulnerable members of the local Jewish community. Today, through our partners JCC Global and JDC, both working through their teams on the ground, they provide every possible support and assistance to those in need.

As is the case with most critical emergencies, the most pressing need is for immediate financial support. We need to be able to take action immediately while movement, even if slightly restricted is possible and no major ground operation in the cities forbid citizens to move around.

To provide help today, we are asking you to share the following with your Boards, your staff and your communities:

Emergency Hotline Numbers:

* Ukraine (FSU): +38 094 711 11 04

* Hungary: +36 30 541 8771

* Poland: +48 509 135 836

* Romania: +40-735-33-7777

* Slovakia: +421-917-711-896 (help@uzzno.sk)