Community Corner
Riverside Synagogue Seeks Donations To Help Ukrainian Jews
"With the situation in Ukraine worsening day after day, the critical work of the Chabad continues unabated."
RIVERSIDE, CA — A Riverside synagogue that's part of a larger international nonprofit network Monday appealed for donations to assist in the ongoing rescue and resettlement of Jews in war-ravaged Ukraine.
"With the situation in Ukraine worsening day after day, the critical work of the Chabad continues unabated," according to the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Riverside. "Chabad (volunteers) throughout Ukraine and in the neighboring countries — Poland, Moldova, Germany, Hungary and Romania — are working 24/7 to assist battered Jews from Ukraine, who are in dire need of food, clothing, housing, medical provisions and more."
The Chabad Lubavitch nonprofit has offices or Jewish community centers worldwide, teaching the tenets of Judaism, offering classes in Hebrew and providing general assistance to those of the faith.
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According to Chabad Riverside, the Chabad Ukraine Jewish Relief Fund has poured money and resources into 131 communities throughout Ukraine, resulting in expenditures of $1.69 million for food procurement and distribution.
Representatives said that about 30,000 Jews have been evacuated to safe places within Ukraine, while 15,000 have been transported to surrounding countries. It's estimated there are 350,000 Jewish men, women and children in Ukraine.
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"In Odessa alone, we have organized 35 evacuation buses to Moldova in the last three days," according to Chabad. "Evacuation cost was $2.6 million. We were able to provide volunteers in refugee locations the means to host and feed over 10,000 people ... at a cost of $270,000."
Officials said that six plane-loads of refugees have been flown from Romania and Hungary to Israel since the start of the Russian invasion on Feb. 23, costing nearly $380,000.
"Chabad is the backbone of Jewish life in the Ukraine, with 384 representatives serving communities throughout the country," according to the nonprofit. "We remain committed to help Ukrainian Jews, whether in Ukraine or wherever they may have relocated."
Chabad Riverside asked for local donations, and for members to spread the word among their connections about supporting the Chabad Ukraine Jewish Relief Fund. It can be accessed via https://www.jewishriverside.com/special/campaigns/ukraine/donate.htm.
