On the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) reported a significant achievement: more than 1,000 volunteers had joined their initiatives. This assistance ranges from direct support in Ukraine and neighboring countries to virtual programs connecting volunteers from around the world.
In the face of ongoing conflict, JFNA emphasizes strengthening ties between Jewish communities, emphasizing the rich history of Jewish life in Ukraine and the need to preserve it.
JFNA Historical Milestone
Eric Fingerhut, JFNA President and CEO, emphasized the unique role of federations:
“Since the start of the war, JFNA has been able to respond immediately due to our long history in the region, supporting partners in Ukraine and neighboring countries. It is important for the federations to support the Jewish community of Ukraine, which has decided to stay in the country and build a future based on more than a thousand years of history.”
This JFNA contribution is of strategic importance, not only helping those affected by war, but also strengthening ties between the Jewish communities of North America, Israel and Ukraine.
To date, JFNA has recruited over 1,000 volunteers, of which 80% are repeat participants. Many of them work on the ground, helping refugees, delivering humanitarian aid and rebuilding destroyed Jewish centers.
Main directions:
Global Volunteer Center:
JFNA has created a platform that helps connect volunteers to trusted organizations that support refugees and local communities.
Virtual support:
Program Connect for Good: Chat with Ukraine connects English-speaking volunteers with Ukrainian youth who want to improve their language skills and strengthen intercultural ties.
Partnerships with key organizations:
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Jewish Agency of Israel (“Dry”)
These partnerships ensure coordination of efforts and maximum program effectiveness.
Impact on the Jewish community of Ukraine
Community Challenges
The Jewish community of Ukraine, despite the hostilities, continues to remain active. Many families remained in the country to maintain Jewish life and traditions.
“It is our duty to stand with this vibrant and resilient community in their greatest challenge,” Fingerhut said.
JFNA provides support to synagogues, educational institutions and cultural centers, helping to preserve Ukraine's unique Jewish heritage.
Table: JFNA Key Initiatives
Direction
Description
Refugee support
Delivery of humanitarian aid, temporary accommodation, restoration of centers in neighboring countries.
Education
Virtual programs for teaching languages and intercultural exchanges.
Community support
Repairing synagogues, helping the elderly, restoring infrastructure.
Israel's role in the initiative
Israel, as a country with a strong Jewish history, actively supports JFNA projects. Many Israelis join the programs as volunteers, strengthening ties between Jewish communities.
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JFNA projects also remind Israelis of their shared history with Ukraine, where large Jewish communities have existed for centuries.
“For Israelis, assistance to Ukraine is not only a humanitarian mission, but also the preservation of a common heritage,” the website emphasizes.NAnews>The Jewish Federations of North America became an important link between Jewish communities in different countries during the war. Their efforts, involving thousands of volunteers, strengthen Jewish life in Ukraine, help refugees and inspire new generations to participate in humanitarian initiatives.
As noted JNS,
“JFNA’s work shows the strength of Jewish unity in the face of challenges.”
These initiatives highlight the importance of interaction between Israel, Ukraine and Jewish organizations around the world. This cooperation not only helps cope with the consequences of war, but also preserves the rich heritage of the Jewish people.
