Greetings: Action-PSJ work continues IN Ukraine. Our primary focus continues to be assisting elderly Jewish Ukrainians. Bravely, all of our network of volunteer coordinators have stayed in Ukraine. They face unimaginable challenges to ensure their own and their family's well-being while living through a war. They still take time to check-in and care for our elders. While they remain in Ukraine, so do we; committed to supporting them and the elders they serve.
Your generosity and support help us do this work.
I am sure, like me, you are finding the war in Ukraine difficult to watch and comprehend. Many of the images we see have striking resemblances to WWII and the Holocaust but these acts against humanity are happening now. We must continue to do all we can to stay informed, inform others, and help by donating and doing. See below for ways you can help.
We know many of the people in the Central Ukraine communities Action-PSJ supports are stable but that is likely to change-as it has in Dnipro. While many still have heat, food, and water, who knows how long that will last. Prescription medications are already running low. Here’s the latest news from our contacts there.
On-the-Ground Reports
Dnipro– Boston’s sister city and the home base for Action-PSJ’s operations is now actively under attack. The Jewish Community of Dnipro has turned its synagogue and Jewish day school into shelters as refugees continue to arrive from various besieged cities in Ukraine. There are more than 360 refugees currently being assisted by the community.
The community has also set up emergency hotlines to assist people with evacuations; there are approximately 200-500 people being evacuated from Dnipro daily via buses and trains. We are thankful to CJP and the greater Boston’s strong support of these operations.
Luckily, we have heard from all our partners and colleagues in Dnipro and all are safe. Ella, Action-PSJ’s Ukraine program director, and her family are okay.
Mariupol- We have not heard from our coordinator there since they lost cell and internet–over two weeks. We are concerned about our elderly, who are unable to leave their apartments to get to bomb shelters. And the siege is causing hardship for all. It is clear from watching the evacuations and what we hear from our coordinator on the ground, there are a very limited number of medical evacuations happening. Our elderly--the Bubbe and Zaydes we have cared for for decades are at risk of being left behind.
You Can Help Donate and encourage your family and friends to donate- we need to be prepared for any and all needs both now and in the long term.
Shop for Action-PSJ's emergency supply list. As needs emerge we add items. We have been asked to create and send activity kits for children and the elderly. This would make a great family or community project.
Reach out to your legislators. See this campaign from the Jewish Federation and be sure to mention the need for an immediate cease-fire and SAFE Humanitarian Aid corridors. Continue to advocate that the home-bound elderly are included in evacuation plans.
