Ukraine

Donations

Many of the collections of physical goods have now closed, however the charities helping the refugees on the ground still urgently need our money. Those wishing to give financial donations to support the Ukrainian refugees can give through:

World Union for Progressive Judaism: www.wupj.org/give/ukraine

World Jewish Relief: www.worldjewishrelief.org/ways-to-donate/appeals/1267-ukraine-crisis-appeal

*These organisations help both Jews and non-Jews.

Offer Temporary Accommodation for Ukrainian Jews

The organisations Room for Refugees and Refugees At Home are taking registrations now for those able to offer accommodation. These charities are based in the UK, but work internationally and have launched an immediate response to the needs of Ukrainian refugees.

Ukrainetransport – launched by Maidenhead Reform's Rabbi Jonathan Romain

If the Government were to allow refugees to come to Britain, would you be able to offer temporary accommodation to a Jewish (or non-Jewish) family or individual?

At this stage it is hypothetical, but we need to have offers ready if visas are suddenly granted so we are collecting names of possible hosts.

There would have to be due process – such as safeguarding and to check your premises are suitable, while you would need to be assured that the guests would stay only for the time you stipulate is possible for you to host them – but now is the time to start collecting people who would be willing to help if required.

We will then work with whatever major Jewish organisation and Government department is taking the lead in dealing with temporary re-rehousing. We often refer to the kindertransport and what a wonderful effort that was, and now may be the time that our generation is called to respond in a similar way.

If you would like to be part of this effort, please email Rabbi Paul Freedman who will pass your details on.

Thank you in advance for anything you can do to help alleviate this crisis.