The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks January 2023 Issue

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

FRI, JAN 27, 2023

“All Jews are responsible for one another” Talmud

Mark Merkovitz Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Our community just celebrated 8 nights of Hanukkah together with a variety of synagogue and community-wide activities and events ranging from ice skating, menorah lighting, Hanukkah cookie tasting, sing-a-long, and movies. During this time, we strengthened our connection to Jewish heritage, gave back to those in need, and proudly celebrated our culture publicly — a powerful message combating antisemitism.

Our communal celebrations and gatherings are extremely important to show unity and pride. In just a few weeks we will commemorate those we lost and those who survived on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27). This is a time to pay respect, reflect on history, and fight to never allow it to repeat. When we see antisemitism rise, it is imperative that we act. The Federation is our community’s watchdog - keeping abreast of issues, strengthening relationships with local and Federal authorities, and developing programming to help educate and spread awareness.

As we welcome 2023, the Federation staff is planning an antisemitism program in May and our second annual Jewish American Heritage Celebration on May 21. We hope that you will join us and support our efforts by attending, inviting friends and family, and amplifying the message.

Daniel Herscovici President, Board of Trustees

Only by working together, can we shine brightly.

Gabe Silverstein, president of the Princeton High School Jewish Club, Rabbi Andrea Merow of The Jewish Center, and Mark Merkovitz, Executive Director of the Federation celebrated Hanukkah with Federation sponsored sufganiyot (donuts) for Princeton High School student body.

10.19.22 10.19.22

2023/5783 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF IN-PERSON EVENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

On October 19, almost 200 Federation community members gathered to support the Federation’s 2023 Annual Campaign. The evening featured a hysterical performance by one of the most sought after comedians - Modi. We honored Joshua Zinder with the Hakarat Hatov award — an award of gratitude — for his outstanding volunteerism. The evening was a fantastic testament of our community’s commitment to a strong Jewish Federation and strong Jewish community.

WHY?

ON JULY 1 2022, THE FEDERATION LAUNCHED ITS 2023/5783 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. IT WILL RUN OVER THE COURSE OF OUR FISCAL YEAR AND CONCLUDE IN JUNE 2023, RAISING CRITICALLY NEEDED FUNDS TO SUPPORT LOCAL PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES.

THE FEDERATION’S ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IS OUR LOCAL JEWISH COMMUNITY’S OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE LARGEST AND BROADEST IMPACT WITH FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOCUSED ON IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMING AND INITIATIVES. ONE MIGHT ASK, “WHY IS AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IMPORTANT IN THE CONTEXT OF DIRECT GIVING TO SPECIFIC CAUSES?”.

All charitable gifts are demonstrations of support; moreover, tzedakah in any way, shape or form is a mitzvah in every sense of the word. Your gift to the Federation supports local initiatives that will directly affect this community today and into the future. Combating antisemitism locally, bringing our entire Jewish community together regardless of affiliation and supporting those vulnerable jews locally and abroad are impactful initiatives.

The Jewish Federation prides itself on its long-standing experience and expertise for proactively identifying financial needs within our community, in Israel and abroad. And, in doing so, the Federation prioritizes and ensures that those financial resources reach those in need – when needed most. In essence, the Federation maintains a pulse of critical philanthropic causes under one umbrella.

Supporting your local Jewish Federation has never been more important. The Federation is part of a vast network of Federations across the world, working together with hundreds of partner agencies. This connected network for good allows the Federation to have the foresight and knowledge of many of the most pressing issues facing our Jewish community today. Furthermore, the Federation’s philanthropic model is nimble and flexible enough to shift allocations every year, as needs change, to fund the programming that addresses the most current, urgent needs that face our Jewish community.

The Federation is accessible by every local agency, synagogue, and organization. On a yearly, rolling basis, the Federation receives more than seventy (70) grant applications. These grant requests remain separate and, in addition to, the numerous funding requests that the Federation receives to meet the financial needs for humanitarian aid that arises when a crisis occurs. Examples of grant requests range from funds to ensure Holocaust survivors have medical care to at risk Jewish senior citizens who have difficulty affording food. Grant requests also include communitywide educational events, and teen and youth engagement initiatives. Additionally, the Federation receives grant requests from organizations focused on helping those most vulnerable in Israel and abroad. Examples include fund requests to help victims of terror, at-risk youth, and financial assistance for families and senior citizens.

The Jewish Federation also considers granting allocations for initiatives that keep our Jewish community safe, fight hate against Jews, and that proudly celebrate our Jewish heritage. We collaborate closely with local and national law enforcement agencies, as well as local Jewish institutions, to assess on-going security needs, establish an alert system to notify our community in real time of any threats, and hold security training sessions open to the community. The Federation focuses on education advocacy to fight antisemitism, mobilizes rallies, and holds briefings and lectures. Additionally, the Federation works with elected officials to plan for and hold a yearly Jewish American Heritage Festival.

The Federation truly serves as the umbrella organization for this community. We are the Jewish eyes and ears on the ground. We see the whole picture and work tirelessly to best serve a majority of our Jewish community’s needs. So, the next time you are deciding how to best allocate your philanthropic commitments, we ask that you please consider directing a portion of your philanthropic giving to the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks. Your financial support of the Jewish Federation is invaluable.

If you have any questions about the Annual Campaign and Federation’s impact, please reach out to Mark Merkovitz, Executive Director at give@jewishpmb.org or (609) 524-9910.

GRANTS ARE CONSIDERED TO SUPPORT FEDERATION LED INITIATIVES THAT AIM TO UNIFY COMMUNITY, COMBAT ANTISEMITISM AND CARE FOR THE VULNERABLE. ADDITIONAL GRANTS ARE CONSIDRED WHEN A CRISIS ARISES AND HUMANITARIAN AID IS NEEDED.

1. Visit jewishpmb.org/donate to give online.

2. Call 609-524-9910 if you prefer to give your credit card payment over the phone or to discuss stock transfers.

3. Mail a check payable to Jewish Federation PMB to:

The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks

213 Carnegie Center Box 2157 Princeton, NJ 08543

IF YOU’D LIKE TO SUPPORT OUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN, THERE ARE 3 EASY WAYS TO DONATE:

GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE SUBUMITTED BY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. ADDITIONAL

Katie Couric, an award-winning journalist, addressed the gathering. During her keynote address, she became a Lion of Judah and was pinned with the symbolic brooch.

LOJE 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In December, Women’s Philanthropy celebrated the Lion of Judah Endowment’s (LOJE) 50 year anniversary of building flourishing Jewish communities worldwide – and began imagining how our Jewish communities can flourish for the next 50 years. The conference took place in Phoenix, Arizona and welcomed thousands of women from around the country. Three main topics were at the forefront of conversation: the mental health of our communities, continuing rise of antisemitism, and answering the critical needs of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Women heard from speakers including Katie Couric, an award-winning journalist, author, and Eric Fingerhut, President & CEO, Jewish Federations of North America.

This Women’s Philanthropy event is one of several happening nationally this year and is open to women who designate a gift to Federation above $1800. Philanthropy and the Jewish value of tzedakah is powerful; and, Jewish women have led successfully by example in our community for decades. They strongly believe that they must financially support the Jewish Federation because it best leverages economies of scale, partner networks, and community partner relationships to achieve all the good they want to see in the community.

More than 1,200 female philanthropists and leaders from across the US, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel gathered at the International Lions of Judah Conference (ILOJC) where they raised a collective $24.2 million.

ExcitingOPPORTUNITY

TO GET INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL CHAPTER OF WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY!

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR COMMUNITY AND WE WANT TO INVITE EVERY WOMAN TO JOIN, WHETHER SHE GIVES BY HERSELF OR AS A HOUSEHOLD. PLEASE SEE BELOW THE THREE (3) SOCIETIES AND CRITERIA TO JOIN

Pomegranate | $1800-$4,999 (personal or family gift to the Federation)

Representing righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom because it is said to have 613 seeds, or mitzvot (commandments). Pomegranates wear a beautiful pin demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy and participate in local and national gatherings and programs.

Lion of Judah | $5,000 (personal or family gift to the Federation)

An international organization of more than 17,500 women who inspire others and exemplify the standard for leadership and giving. Lions wear a powerful pin to proudly showcase their commitment to philanthropy and participate in local and national gatherings and programs.

Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE)

Women are encouraged to endow their Lion gifts so that the Jewish Federation serving the Jewish community is assured of continued strength through women’s giving in perpetuity. LOJEs wear a powerful pin to proudly showcase their commitment to philanthropy and strengthening Jewish life in perpetuity. They are recognized on local and national levels and participate in a wide-array of programs and gatherings throughout the year.

Throughout history, women have been a powerful voice for a positive change. Through leadership roles, philanthropy, and volunteerism, these women have acted and served as role models for the next generation of women philanthropists.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

1. Participate in our Annual Campaign and join the Women’s Philanthropy. Please contact Mark Merkovitz, Executive Director at give@jewishpmb.org or (609) 524-9910 for more information.

2. Volunteer on a committee! From Spring Women’s Luncheon to the Jewish American Heritage Festival, your Federation has something for everyone; there is much to do and we would love your help. Please email info@jewishpmb.org for more details.

family

Jewish communal involvement is second nature for Perrisue and Victor Silverstein’s extended family, especially in Federation’s web of communal activities. Federation, which the Silverstein family has supported through donations and leadership over four (4) generations, in turn nurtures family members through the friendships, mentors, and opportunities for community activism that defines Federation involvement. Interviews with Perrisue, her daughter-in-law Andrea, and Andrea’s son Gabe are representative of the entire family’s commitment to Federation.

Q: CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOT INVOLVED IN FEDERATION?

Perrisue: Le dor va dor, passing the tradition from generation to generation. My two grandmothers worked in business and gave their own contributions to Hadassah, and my mother became active in Federation as well as Hadassah. When we moved to Princeton, joining and getting active in the Federation was a way to meet Jewish women who not only had a commitment to Israel, like Hadassah, but also to local Jewish needs, which are very important to me, and also social needs in Israel.

Andrea: My family was heavily involved in the Greater Hartford Jewish Federation. For my parents, this was their main philanthropic focus. My father is a former Campaign Chair and President and my mother a former Campaign Chair and President for Women’s Philanthropy. As young adults, my father and mother, my siblings, and I received the Young Leadership Award in our respective federations, in addition to serving as board members. My mother is a committed Lion of Judah [annual personal commitment of $5,000+] and also received the national Kipnis-Wilson Friedland award.

As a kid, I would volunteer at our big campaign day. As a young single in New York City, I went to events, tapped into the social network of federation, and made a gift as soon as I had an income. In 1998 I went on a national young leadership mission to Israel, which gave me a chance to see things and areas of Israel and meet with people that you never would meet on your own. You enhance your Jewish pride and your commitment to Israel and to Jews all over the world. It exposed me to the true heartbeat of Israel and all that the Federation does.

Andrea Silverstein in her role as a co-President of the Women’s Philanthropy.

When David and I moved to Princeton in 2001, we as a couple made Federation our #1 philanthropic focus, and I got very involved in volunteerism and leadership—as a board member, Women’s Philanthropy campaign chair, and co-president of Women’s Philanthropy.

Gabe: I grew up seeing my parents and grandparents involved in Federation, and I’ve always known how important it is to the Jewish community. Mark Merkovitz, the Executive Director of the Federation, became a mentor to me. Even more, Rabbi Adam Feldman told me how important supporting the Jewish community is because time and time again the Jewish community supports us and our families, and it is so important to give back.

Q: PERRISUE AND ANDREA, WHAT IS WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY? WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE BEING INVOLVED IN IT?

Perrisue: I have my own business [in estate jewelry and silver], and I felt good that I could make my own donation and my own contribution from my hard work; women today are very career oriented and can make their own choices for giving. Also, it’s great when women get together. We have our own speakers, talking about issues we are interested in and women who have contributed significantly to their communities. It’s a way of making friends too and a way of meeting other Jewish women with a commitment to Israel, security, and local Jewish needs.

Andrea: The reason that Women’s Philanthropy was created is because women really do often drive the giving decisions in a family. I think also there was a

belief that having a group specifically focused on bringing women together and educating women and creating the social fabric among the Jewish women in the community was really important for the Federation and for the women. It’s an opportunity for us to gather together as mothers and sisters and friends and grandmothers to both have pride in our impact on the Jewish community, to some extent separate from our husbands, both financially and socially. I really made my most precious friendships through my involvement in Federation; they are multigenerational and they have enriched my life. You are with women who have common interests to yours, and you are really working together to make a difference in the Jewish community.

Q: GABE, WHAT EXPERIENCES, IN ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY, HAVE MOTIVATED YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH FEDERATION?

About two years ago I went to a pro-Palestinian rally [May 21, 2021] in Hines Plaza with one of my friends, to observe and show some support for the other side. I saw classmates of mine who were supporting the Palestinian side. There were signs that said “Zionism=Naziism” or were calling for the destruction of Israel and the displacement of its Jews. Then last season on the bus home from an ice hockey game, one kid called me a kike; maybe he thought it was in jest or he said it ignorantly and didn’t know it was an insensitive term. I’ve also heard small jokes about money and nose jobs—those common Jewish stereotypes. The antisemitism in my local community and vicious hate toward Israel was very frightening.

From the left: Perrisue, Andrea, and Perrisue’s mother Sylvia Rabinowitz z”l.

Through Mark Merkovitz’s mentorship, I decided to join the Jewish Club [at Princeton High School], where now I am the president. My goal is to do whatever I can to support my community. In the Jewish Club, we have discussions about Judaism, celebrate holidays and talk about their meaning, or discuss current events that impact us. We also debunk all the myths and right the wrongs of the stereotypes, misinformation, and disinformation. When antisemitism started to spike in 2021, the Federation mobilized the Stand Up to Hate Rally [June 17, 2021] and invited me to be one of the speakers because I’m one of the larger voices for advocacy in the Princeton High School community. It was an opportunity for me to channel my fear and anger from previous experiences and turn it into a message of hope and awareness. When I spoke, the mayor and school administrators were there, and I tried to garner more support for education in the schools because it is really lacking: People don’t know the history and don’t know what is right and wrong. They make hurtful comments and don’t know the impact of their comments—regardless of their intentions.

Going into the rally I hadn’t really done much as far as activism, but this was the catalyst for my involvement with the Federation and the Jewish community. Recently I did a presentation [developed as an outreach program through his internship with the teen advocacy organization Stand With Us] for the Jewish Club about antisemitism to 35 students, about 20 of them Jewish. A lot of Jews will bring

their non-Jewish friends, which is really important— our message is not just to Jewish people; we want to spread the message to non-Jews who can be allies to the Jewish community. The dean of students, who was at the presentation, invited me to give it again at the January faculty meeting. I am also working with the Federation’s Jewish American Heritage Festival committee on the event planning.

Q: DO YOU THINK SUPPORTING THE FEDERATION IS STILL IMPORTANT TODAY AND WHY?

Perrisue: I do because we are handling local needs, not just Israel. We have an aging population and rising anti-Semitism. We don’t think we have poor Jews in our area, but we do. Israel is doing well militarily and economically, but they still have social needs, for example, they are still bringing Jews from Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Andrea: My parents’ view and philosophy, which is my view and what really spoke to me, is that the Federation is truly the unifying force of the Jewish community. The concept is that a vibrant Jewish community is really the combination of the many entities that support Jewish lives and life: the synagogues, day school, homes for the elderly, Jewish summer camps, and social service and social welfare organizations like the Jewish Family and Children’s Service that take care of the needy. The Federation has the role and opportunity to have a strategic view and a birds’ eye view of the whole ecosystem—to not only support each and every agency consistently but also to respond quickly to critical needs from agency to agency or issue to issue, from the war in Ukraine to the consequences of the pandemic. It also addresses the rapid spread of anti-Semitism that is both global but also in Princeton. As importantly, it supports Israel, not in a political way but in a very needed social service and welfare capacity. I believe and my parents and my inlaws believe that my dollars given to Federation have a greater impact on the holistic Jewish community, supporting the ecosystem of Jewish life in this area.

One of the things that I have been really impressed with more recently with Federation is there is a really sound strategy, and I think because of the plan that Dan Herscovici put in place our Federation is more nimble than ever to be able to address the needs of the community where they are most critical and to still be that unifying force for the Jewish community as a whole.

Gabe Silverstein addressing the crowd at the Stand Up to Hate Rally.

WE ARE SHAKEN, BUT WE ARE NOT BROKEN

AS WE CONCLUDED OBSERVING THE HIGH HOLIDAYS IN MID-OCTOBER, OUR LOCAL AND NATIONAL JEWISH COMMUNITIES WERE BOMBARDED WITH AN ASTONISHING AMOUNT OF HATE AND ANTISEMITIC RHETORIC THROUGHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. WE WITNESSED:

Damaging statements by Ye.

Display of hate banners with the words “End Jewish Supremacy in America” and “Honk if you know it’s the Jews” in Florida.

Kyrie Irving, the all-star NBA point guard, shared a link to an antisemitic film that is filled with antisemitic stereotypes and Holocaust denial.

FBI issuing a credible threat alert targeting all synagogues in New Jersey.

Antisemitism is growing; increasingly alarming is the fact that this antisemitic hatred is now more and more espoused by celebrities, athletes, and music moguls. As antisemitism continues to spread vitriolically, the Jewish Federation continues working around the clock on actively keeping our community safe. We conduct site assessments, establish alert systems for synagogues, agency partners, and lay leaders, help with federal grant proposals, hold training sessions, respond to crises, and more. The Federation participates in security briefings organized by the Secure Community Network (SCN). And, the Federation maintains strong relationships with local and regional law enforcement authorities.

Many of these initiatives were mobilized during the November escalation.

On Thursday, November 3, the FBI issued a threat on their social media pages: “We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of an emergency, call police.”

Moments after the alert was issued, the Jewish Federation informed our local synagogues and agencies, put out a statement on our social media pages, and participated in several news briefs from the Secure Community Network (SCN). The Jewish Federation reached out to local police departments in Mercer County and operated on high alert while engaging in constant communication with the lay leaders.

On Friday morning, November 4, the Federation participated in a call about the FBI Alert that was issued Thursday afternoon. The call was led by Governor Murphy and other participants including the New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, the Director of New Jersey Homeland Security Laurie Doran, and FBI Newark Director, Jim Denehy.

On the call, Federation learned that the immediate threat had been mitigated and the person of interest had been identified and approached by the FBI. We were assured there is no longer a current, credible threat to the community. Over Shabbat, our local law enforcement continued to be on high alert, increasing their presence and patrols around synagogues and Jewish facilities.

A week later, on November 10, we were notified that the alleged perpetrator was charged.

The Jewish Federation will always take a proactive, leadership role when it comes to combating antisemitism and securing our community. In the next few months, we will be offering even more community-wide training programs, and we hope that you will participate. Day in and day out, the Jewish Federation works tirelessly to protect the rights and safety of the Jewish people to gather, worship, and celebrate in peace.

If you or someone you know experiences anti-Jewish bias, hate, verbal or physical violence, or if you witnessed hate-biased crimes like vandalism - contact Mark Merkovitz at 609-524-9910 or mmerkovitz@jewishpmb.org.

jewishpmb.org

Everyday your generous support helps us unlock programs that meaningfully impact the lives of Jewish individuals in Mercer amd Bucks counties and the world. We are grateful to our generous donors for their unwavering support. With your help, we are serving senior citizens, children, and the community at large.

IMPACT NEWS { {

The following programs are all funded by The Jewish Federation of Mercer Princeton Bucks

JCC GOLDEN AGE CLUB PROGRAM

Delivered by JCC

Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps

The JCC Golden Age Club, which is entering its 70th year, provides a place for socialization, education and entertainment for those in their golden years, age 60+, and some of our most vulnerable community members. The mission is to provide aging seniors as well as local Holocaust Survivors, a warm, safe place to live out their “golden years” with engagement, enjoyment and dignity.

The seniors gather together approximately 30 times a year, September thru June, at either Adath Israel, Abrams Camps, or off-site locations. Monthly programs include lectures from engaging speakers, Jewish holiday celebrations, art workshops, and current event briefings.

There is an annual membership of $54 to join and membership enrollment is on a rolling basis so new members are welcome to join any time.

The Jewish Federation has been one of the largest supporters of the JCC Golden Age Club because the program fulfills Federation’s mission of caring for the vulnerable and strengthening Jewish life.

SUKKOT CELEBRATION

On the 4th day of Sukkot, the JCC Golden Age Club and new community friends gathered for a festive celebration. They enjoyed delicious seasonal foods, sharing stories and shaking the lulav. Everyone was thankful to be able to gather and celebrate in person.

HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

JCC Golden Agers gathered for a fun Hanukkah celebration with friends.

It was so wonderful celebrating Hanukkah with my dear friends. If it could only last more than eight nights.

- Golden Age Club attendee

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COMMUNITY-WIDE HOLIDAY EVENTS

Delivered by JCC Princeton Mercer

Bucks & Abrams Camps with partnership from local synagogues

SUKKOT FALL FEST

In October, more than 300 people attended a community-wide celebration of the Sukkot festival. Children enjoyed pony rides, train tours, petting zoo, face painting, inflatable slides, rock climbing, and live music. Cozy sukkahs were set up side by side with our community partner agencies where kids played games, enjoyed arts and crafts, and got an opportunity to spend time under the schach, the special temporary roof that traditionally provides shade for the sukkah hut. Leaders from the local synagogues joined the festivities and beautifully enhanced the spirit of the day.

The event was organized by Wendy Soos, Executive Director of the JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps. The JCC’s devotion to enhancing families’ connection to Jewish life is paramount to their mission. Events like these bring families together, infuse Jewish culture and tradition, and help strengthen the community.

The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks helped bring this event to life by serving as a main supporter and financial underwriter. The Federation understands the importance of investing in Jewish life. Each event is an opportunity to bring people together to share in our Jewish cultural traditions, feel joy among friends, neighbors, and extended family, and foster a strong Jewish community.

This year’s Sukkot Fall Fest was a great success! I loved seeing so many families spanning multiple generations playing, exploring, and connecting. Our community would benefit from more opportunities like this one to be outside together, having fun in a Jewish context, meeting new people and deepening relationships.

- Rabbi Adena Blum Beth Chaim

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A WHOLE WEEK OF HANUKKAH FESTIVITIES

This year, the Jewish Federation, the JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps, and the local synagogues set out to deliver a very welcoming, festive, and joyous Hanukkah celebration.

Festivities over the course of 8 days drew more than 500 people including children, teens, families, adults, and senior citizens.

Hanukkah activities included Moo Shu & Movies (teen movie night and kosher Chinese food) at Beth El Synagogue, Hanukkah on Ice at Palmer Square with the JCC, guitar sing-a-long & s’mores at Temple Micah, grand outdoor Menorah lighting ceremony with The Jewish Center, PJ Library Hanukkah Pajamukkah stories & crafts at Beth Chaim, and an unforgettable JCC family movie event in a private theater.

Community events like these are essential to a strong and vibrant Jewish life. They provide opportunities for our community members to connect not only to each other, but to our Jewish roots.

Our family had so much fun seeing big Menorah lighting in Palmer Square. Watching my kids faces light up in awe and amazement and be surrounded by other families who celebrate Hanukkah was a beautiful experience. Afterwards, we had lots of giggles ice skating and enjoyed Chanukah cookies and hot cocoa with the JCC!

- Program Participant

HUMANITARIAN AID FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

Delivered by more than 40 on the ground NGOs

THE JEWISH FEDERATION ESTABLISHED THE UKRAINE EMERGENCY FUND WHEN THE WAR BROKE OUT IN FEBRUARY 2022. OUR COMMUNITY HELPED RAISE MORE THAN $115,000 FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES. THE FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED TO OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND WHO HAD ESTABLISHED A STRONGHOLD IN THAT REGION. THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ATTENTION, SUPPLIES, TRANSPORTATION, FOOD, AND ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY WAS LIFE-SAVING.

BELOW IS VICTORIA’ SIMPSON’S REFUGEE STORY WHERE SHE RECOUNTS HER ESCAPE FROM UKRAINE WITH HER UNCLE.

Victoria Simpson worked tirelessly to help her 79-year-old uncle Leonid, who suffers from leg paralysis, find suitable arrangements for the 24-hour journey from Kharkiv to Warsaw. Now, she says she intends “to learn Hebrew and build my life in Israel from scratch.”

Victoria Simpson, 34, has all the necessary documents to obtain the status of a Jewish refugee in Germany. Friends who already live there have invited her to join them and receive a status that comes with the generous social assistance provided to Jews by the German government.

But Victoria wants to be in Israel.

“My heart is connected to this country, even though I have no relatives in Israel, and only a few acquaintances,” she says. “But I know I will be with my people, and therefore I will feel at home.”

Victoria and her uncle Leonid, 79, who suffers from leg paralysis, are expected to undergo the consular examination easily and quickly. The only possession

she managed to get out of Kharkiv, Ukraine, which came under continuous shelling, was a briefcase with all the documents she needed for immigration.

Among them are the original birth certificates of her mother and grandmother, which testify to their belonging to the Jewish people. Victoria is an equestrian expert. She became interested in horses from age 8, participated in competitions, was a children’s horseback riding trainer, and worked as a horse breeder in private stables in Kharkiv and in an elite horse riders club in Kyiv. Leonid, her mother’s brother, is a basketball and handball coach. He has worked in that field all his life. Everything was fine with his health until he fell ill a few months before the war, and now his legs are permanently paralyzed.

In Kharkiv, the area where Victoria’s apartment was located was under fire almost from the first moments of the war. When the shelling began, she ran down to the basement and was forced to leave Leonid in their apartment, because she did not have the physical strength to carry him to the basement. Now, she has a hard time describing the feelings of fear mixed with guilt while sitting in the basement. Fortunately, the house was not damaged.

During the shelling, Victoria tried to find ample space on buses or rescue cars that brought people out of Kharkiv. But there were only seats available, and that did not suit Leonid due to the situation

surrounding his health. For more than three weeks, she kept searching, without success.

“My friends already told me to give up and that I had tried everything I could,” she says. “But I knew that if I left without him, I would suffer all my life for leaving my helpless uncle to die alone.”

Without any outside help, as nurses and social workers refused to come to Kharkiv, Victoria continued to care for her elderly uncle. She gave him injections and infusions. She changed his catheters. Her aunt was registered with the local “Chesed” organization, allowing them to ultimately find Leonid a spot in an ambulance. But the ambulance still had to be reached, and everyone refused to travel to Victoria’s home, which was under almost constant shelling. Finally, a brave driver who was up for the task managed to transport Leonid to the ambulance. Victoria also took her dog with her. “She’s like a family member and I could not leave her,” she says.

The trip to Warsaw lasted 24 hours, during which time she cared for Leonid in the ambulance. In Warsaw, representatives from The Jewish Agency for Israel met them. During the trip, Leonid felt unwell, and Jewish Agency staffers immediately took him to the hospital upon his arrival. He was so weak that the doctors in the emergency room told Victoria that he had almost no chance of surviving. But they did not properly appreciate the strength of the former athlete, and after a few days, Leonid began to recover. Victoria now resides at a Jewish Agency Aliyah Center and is awaiting consular review.

Both JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel are Federation’s partner organizations overseas.

JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) is a Jewish relief organization that was on the ground helping vulnerable Jews escape war-ridden Ukraine.

The Jewish Agency provides the global framework for Aliyah, ensures global Jewish safety, strengthens Jewish identity and connects Jews to Israel and one another.

I have no way back to Ukraine. I intend to learn Hebrew and build my life in Israel from scratch,” she says. “I am not afraid of any line of work, but I heard that there are horse farms in Israel. I would love to do in Israel what I already know and love — working with horses.

~ Victoria