This past week, the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) of the former Soviet Union gathered in Jerusalem to talk about bolstering support and resources for olim (immigrants) arriving from Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet Union states as part of the continuing effort to provide them with dignity and security in their new lives in the Holy Land.
However, not all these Jews have made aliyah yet, leaving them vulnerable in their impoverished and war-torn countries, as is the case in Ukraine. During the High Holy Days, The Fellowship responded to this need by working with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to distribute over 7,100 Rosh Hashanah food boxes in cities across Ukraine.
JDC was one of several partners of The Fellowship during a cross-country trek to the neediest Jewish communities of children, families, and elderly. Stops included major Ukrainian cities like Odesa, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia. All these communities are desperately trying to ends meet on little to no income or support. Fellowship staff met with families at distribution sites but visited the elderly in their homes to provide them with food boxes.
“It helps with everything – medicine and food,” said Tamara Risova. “I am very glad to meet you – you are nice, wonderful people.”
The food boxes that The Fellowship provides during the High Holy Days are just a small part of the regular assistance we provide to vulnerable Jews in the FSU. All year round, we provide food, warmth, and homecare visits for these precious people. Thanks to our generous supporters, The Fellowship gives critical care to those eagerly waiting to make aliyah – as well as those who are unable to.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17).
