Federation CJA Steps Up For the Ukraine
Federation CJA has launched an urgent appeal in conjunction with Jewish Federations of North America and its global network. The goal is to amass twenty million dollars.
“We are an integral part of a worldwide campaign to provide humanitarian assistance to alleviate suffering and safeguard Ukraine’s Jewish community, as well as Jews in neighbouring countries,” said Yair Szlak, CEO of Federation CJA. “We are proud that over one thousand community members have already stepped up and donated close to five hundred thousand dollars in support of these efforts. But, so much more is needed on an urgent basis.”
As the crisis in Ukraine escalates, thousands have come under fire in areas across the country. Hundreds of thousands more have fled the fighting. These people, and thousands more, require our immediate assistance.
Emergency funding will focus on:
- Helping people make Aliyah (immigration) to Israel
- Securing the local community and its institutions
- Maintaining critical welfare services
- Assisting internally displaced people in multiple locations
- Securing temporary housing for people in transit
- Purchasing satellite phones to maintain communications across the region
- Securing five Jewish schools and training staff to manage crisis needs
Work is well underway to support those affected in Montreal as well as others who will soon arrive in our city. Social service partners Agence Ometz and Cummings Centre are:
- Keeping our current clients with family in Ukraine informed, connected, and supported by providing psychosocial support and trauma-sensitive services in Ukrainian and Russian languages.
- Coordinating with our local and national partner agencies across Canada to ensure preparedness.
- Gathering resources for newcomers: families who are ready to provide emergency shelter, employment offers, basic needs, and psychosocial support.
- Organizing post-arrival settlement and integration service responses.
The advocacy arm, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), is working with various government agencies to ensure that Jewish refugees who wish to come to Montreal can do so. Thousands of Jews living in Ukraine are trapped in conflict zones. Thousands more are on the move—many will be relocated to Israel and elsewhere. An unknown number will seek shelter here in Montreal and across Canada. Federation CJA is committed to supporting our partner agencies on the ground, in Israel, and here at home to ensure the well-being of these Jewish refugees.
“The immediate support from the public is critical in helping to secure families who are trapped in Ukraine and those who are on the run. The needs are urgent. By donating to the Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund, you will be helping during this incredibly difficult time,” Szlak said. “We hope for an immediate cessation to this horrific tragedy and pray for peace for the Ukrainian people.”
By Mike Cohen
