We’ve been in Ukraine for Decades – But Today, It’s Different.

For decades, The Associated has been there for the Jewish community in Ukraine. We’ve helped thousands escape antisemitism while living under the former Soviet Union regime – supported them as they built a new life in the United States and Israel. We created our Baltimore-Odesa Partnership and helped to revitalize Jewish life in Odesa, while at the same time continuing to care for the city’s most vulnerable.

Today, we watch in horror as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine creates a massive humanitarian crisis. Millions are attempting to leave the country, facing long, grueling and uncertain journeys – others remain, trapped in conflict zones, struggling to stay safe and find access to food, medicine and other essential supplies.

The Associated is committed to supporting its partners on the ground in Ukraine, providing immediate aid to individuals and families impacted by the crisis, while ensuring the well-being and safety of those who are fleeing.

We can still help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine by donating to The Associated’s Annual campaign.

Join together on social media to show our support for our brothers and sisters in Odesa, our partner city:

Please like the Baltimore-Odesa Partnership Facebook page and share comments of support.

Humanitarian aid

ON THE GROUND, THE ASSOCIATED IN ACTION

We have been on the ground from the beginning responding to this crisis. Working alongside with our international partners (The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and World-ORT, we have already responded.  See below how much we’ve accomplished:

  • Coordinated with our partners on the ground to send emergency relief for winter supplies including: 
    • Mental health training and workshops through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)
    • Winter relief support for The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
    • Emergency lamps, blankets and sleeping bags for residents and those seeking shelter at Moishe House Odesa
    • Generator, fuel, power banks and charging stations at the ORT School Odesa
  • Equipped staff in Ukrainian field offices across the country with satellite phones and supplies to ensure that needed social services are not interrupted.

  • Prioritized aid to the nearly 10,000 Holocaust survivors in Ukraine, many of whom are homebound and depend on daily visit to survive.

  • Delivered over five tons of blankets, shampoo, and hygiene products, as well as nine tons of food and medication just to Odesa alone.

  • Provided trauma-focused therapy, emotional first aid and mental health services to those who fled Ukraine and those who stayed behind.

  • Facilitated and expedited Aliyah (immigration to Israel) with six temporary housing stations at the Ukrainian border crossing with Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary. 

  • Created delegations of medical professionals on the ground in Poland and Moldova to treat incoming refugees.

  • Coordinating and helping displaced persons including arranging transport and accommodations in Western Ukraine, Moldova and across Europe

  • Implement security measures at 150 Jewish community organizations and businesses across Ukraine.  

The People, the Trauma, the Stories

Seeking Refuge image

Seeking Refuge

See how 200 Odessa refugees, including educators from the JCCs seek shelter in Moldova.
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Working Together

Watch how The Associated and Jewish Federations around the country are working day and night to help Jews in Ukraine.  
At the Border image

At the Border

See what is happening at the Romanian border as refugees arrive from Ukraine
A Mother's Story image

A Mother's Story

Watch A mother and daughter share their refugee story.  
Our Partners image

Our Partners

As the bombs fly, our partners are on the ground are doing everything they can to safeguard the Jewish community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate to our Ukraine Emergency Fund so we can continue to support the growing needs.

There is a possibility that Ukrainian refugees could arrive in Baltimore, and The Associated is thinking ahead. We’re asking community members, now, who may want to help with their resettlement to connect with Jewish Volunteer Connection. Sign up if you’re interested in helping.

Volunteers Needed with JFNA: Seeking Russian/Ukrainian-speaking Jewish high-level professionals with a background in mental health and social work to go to the Ukrainian border to assist refugees. JFNA Volunteer Application Form

I stand with the people of Odessa
I stand with the people of Odessa

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