in Ukraine
February 2023
When war broke out in Ukraine, our community’s collective generosity to the Emergency Response Campaign empowered the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to act swiftly and impactfully to reach those on the ground and in harm’s way. Working with our worldwide network of partners, we developed a comprehensive support system that continues to save countless lives as the war in Ukraine rages on.
Adam E. Laver, Chair, Emergency Response Committee Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
On February 24, 2022, the world watched in horror while Russian troops invaded Ukraine. The lives of civilians were uprooted and hopes were dashed of never having to witness war again.
When a crisis occurs, we’re ready.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has spent decades building a strong relationship with global partner agencies, creating a strong infrastructure to support our vulnerable Jewish communities. This relationship uniquely positioned us to respond quickly to the invasion of Ukraine, providing critical support to our Jewish brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need.
No crisis too big.
WHEN WAR BROKE OUT, ninety-year-old Holocaust survivor Mikhael was crying in a refugee soup kitchen at the border of Ukraine and Moldova, because the stark reality of running from war again was too much to bear. He was comforted by Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah of Israel, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
AS WAR CONTINUED, Yuri’s hometown was destroyed by bombs, stores emptied of food and medicine, and the streetlights no longer lit up the darkness of night. He knew it was time for his family to leave. With help from the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), a Jewish Federation partner, his family found solace by making aliyah to Israel.
WHEN ARRIVING IN PHILADELPHIA,
Irina was prepared to overcome hurdles that come with being a refugee, such as securing work authorization, finding a job and a place to live. But, the most important item on her list was to find a place for her children to feel safe and acclimate to the new country. Irina found KleinLife, a Jewish Federation supported organization, that opened a free camp for Ukrainian refugee children. Just a few short weeks in camp and Irina’s children began to smile again.
Providing hope.
When the call came, you stepped up for our community. To date, our Emergency Response campaign has raised almost $1.5 million, providing critical humanitarian work on the ground in Ukraine, in neighboring countries, in Israel and here at home through our partner agencies.
$755,000 allocated to the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) national campaign funding more than 50 organizations, operating on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries
$80,500 for flights to Israel for refugees from Ukraine and Russia, provided by JAFI
$376,000 granted for trauma and medical services for refugees including those in our Partnership2Gether region; the Emergency Volunteer Project, through which firefighters from Greater Philadelphia assisted with rescue and recovery efforts alongside Israeli firefighters in Ukraine; and IT Works, a program in Israel providing employment training for immigrants from Ukraine and Russia
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Emergency Response Committee continues to approve requests for supports in this ongoing campaign.
Dedicated resources.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is one of six Jewish Federations that received a grant as part of JFNA’s $1 million Ukrainian Resettlement initiative. These dollars, combined with a grant through the Jewish Federation President’s Fund, allowed for the allocation of dollars to local organizations helping Ukrainian refugees now living in Philadelphia.
KleinLife
KlienLife created and managed a full-service camp program for 55 Ukrainian children ages 6 to 12, at no cost to families during the summer of 2022. Trained KleinLife staff provided trauma-informed care as well as a Russian-speaking psychologist who led group art therapy sessions. A free afterschool program and a winter day camp has been held for 75 children.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS)
Working in collaboration with KleinLife, Nationalities Services Center, Catholic Social Services, HIAS PA and Bethany Christian Services, JFCS has increased access to critical basic needs and provided ongoing support to Ukrainian families now living in Greater Philadelphia. Assisting clients with language translation for phone calls relating to health insurance, benefits enrollment or navigation, JFCS’ care manager ensured that everyone had access to refugee and resettlement resources.
Side by side.
President and CEO Michael Balaban and Board Co-Chair Gail Norry traveled to the Poland-Ukraine border in March 2022, with a delegation of 30 leaders from Jewish Federations, and 600 pounds of relief supplies. Meeting with the refugees, they gained firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground.
The level of emotional trauma is unimaginable. These are incredibly resilient people. They have survived the unimaginable, and to be put through this again in their lifetime, I can't even put it into words.
Michael Balaban, President and CEO
Our Community is
not alone.
Jewish Federations across North America have raised more than $80 million, supporting numerous organizations operating on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
2.7 million pounds of humanitarian aid for refugees sheltering in Ukraine and Moldova
37,800+ refugees provided with vital necessities
52,500 olim from Ukraine and Russia have made aliyah to Israel
39,900+ calls received calls on various emergency hotlines
Jewish Federation Leadership
President & CEO
Michael Balaban Board Co-Chairs
Gail Norry & David Adelman
Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Kelly Romirowsky
Chief Development Officer
Sarah B. Solomon
Emergency Response Committee
Adam E. Laver, Chair
David J. Adelman
Daniel M. Eisenstadt
Mark Fishman
Bill Glazer
Susanna Lachs Adler
Michele S. Levin
Sara Minkoff
Holly Nelson Gail Norry
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities' most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.