- September 28, 2024
- 12:35 am
- Ukraine
The Jerusalem Post published an article dedicated to the efforts American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)which plays a key role in supporting the Jewish community of Ukraine during the war.
The organization has been working in Ukraine for a long time, creating a solid infrastructure to help Jews in this region. During wartime, JDC not only continues its activities, but also strengthens them to provide essential social services and material assistance to those who find themselves in the most vulnerable situations.
The situation in Ukraine has deteriorated sharply since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. JDC, with its experience in crisis situations, was able to quickly mobilize resources and organize assistance. The program includes the delivery of food, medicine and other vital goods, as well as the organization of the evacuation of Jews from active combat zones. Finding themselves on the brink of poverty and deprived of their usual way of life, many Ukrainian Jews found support in the person of JDC.
One of the examples of help described in the article was the story of an elderly couple Victoria and George from Odessa. Instead of quietly enjoying old age, they found themselves in the midst of a conflict. Victoria says that constant bombing and a sense of danger have become part of their daily life. Georgy, in turn, notes that thanks to the support of JDC, they can feel at least a little more confident. The organization provides them with assistance at home, delivering necessary food and medicine. A special role in their lives is played by their social worker Elmira, who, according to Georgy, became like a daughter to them. This connection not only helps them survive, but also supports them emotionally in the difficult conditions of war.
In addition to material support, JDC provides its wards with spiritual assistance. As mentioned in the article, Victoria, when she was more mobile, actively participated in community events and celebrations organized by the JDC. Now, homebound, she continues to receive support in the form of holiday packages. For example, apples and honey were delivered to them for the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, which helped create a sense of celebration and maintain spiritual unity with the community.
The article also highlights the importance of volunteer work, which has become an integral part of JDC's efforts. One of the striking examples is Tatyana Turbanova from Cherkassy. After the war began, she decided to become a volunteer to help her Jewish community. Thanks to the support of JDC, Tatyana was able to find not only a way to help others, but also support for herself. She completed a psychological support program organized by JDC and then became a volunteer in the program herself. Tatyana notes that working at JDC and volunteering gave her the opportunity to restore her emotional balance and find new meaning in life by helping others.
The Jerusalem Post draws attention to the importance of psychological assistance programs for people affected by war. In eight centers opened by JDC throughout Ukraine, more than 1,700 people have already received psychological support. These programs help people who have had to deal with the destruction of their familiar world, cope with trauma and adapt to new living conditions. Many of them, according to the publication, lived relatively calmly before the war, but are now forced to seek help due to destroyed lives and lost opportunities.
JDC plays a special role in the lives of families facing difficult situations due to conflict. For example, the Ostapchuk family from Odessa lost all sources of income with the outbreak of hostilities. JDC provided them with financial assistance for rent, food and medicine. The family's children were also able to continue to participate in JDC's cultural and educational programs despite the difficult situation in the country. The youngest daughter, Caroline, was able to go to a children's camp organized by JDC in Hungary, where she made new friends and gained confidence in the future.
JDC's programs include not only emergency assistance, but also long-term educational and vocational initiatives. ABOUTThe organization helps young people and adults adapt to new challenges, including unemployment caused by the war. The example of Anna Grigolai, JDC program manager in Dnepr, demonstrates how the organization unites the Jewish community even in times of war. Anna, returning to Ukraine after evacuation, led JDC's humanitarian programs, helping to evacuate Jews from dangerous areas and rebuild their lives.
JDC continues to be a reliable source of support for thousands of Jews throughout Ukraine. The Jerusalem Post emphasizes that even in the face of widespread destruction and human suffering, JDC finds ways not only to help physically, but also to maintain the morale of people, maintaining hope for a better future.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) https://www.jdc.org/ is one of the largest Jewish humanitarian organizations, created in 1914. JDC's primary mission is to provide assistance to Jewish communities around the world who find themselves in difficult situations, for example due to military conflicts, economic hardships or natural disasters.
The organization actively works in countries with vulnerable Jewish communities, providing them with financial assistance, medical services, psychological support, education and vocational training programs. JDC's history includes participation in the evacuation and support of Jewish refugees during and after World War II, assistance to Soviet Jews in the 1990s, and active work in Israel and the countries of the former USSR.
With the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, JDC increased its efforts in the region, providing humanitarian assistance to Jewish communities, organizing evacuations, providing housing, food and medicine, and supporting cultural and educational programs to preserve community life in times of war.
JDC works closely with local organizations and volunteers to effectively respond to the needs of people around the world, and is dedicated to preserving Jewish identity and supporting Jewish communities around the world.
