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With the events of Ukraine giving the concept of freedom new resonance this year, the retelling of the Passover story holds extra meaning. Millions of Ukrainians, including tens of thousands of Jews, have fled the country and millions of others are internally displaced. So far, 40,000 Jews have fled Ukraine, and our partners, the Joint Distribution Committee and The Jewish Agency for Israel have been there every step of the way to provide support and help them during this dire time. Jewish Federations across Canada have collectively raised over $9 million for Ukrainian relief efforts since the fighting began.
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This past weekend our partners organized Seders for the Jewish Ukrainian refugees. In the last few days, they have shipped in more than two tons of matzah and other Kosher for Passover food for Jewish refugees. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s PJ Library produced Haggadot and sent them to centres in Eastern Europe. Meals were provided to thousands of families as they held communal Seders and recount the story of Passover, which feels especially poignant this week.
Here at home, we are committed to supporting the Ukranian people in the longer journey to recovery and a better future. This is why we have expanded our Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund; new donations will help to welcome and resettle Ukrainians who have been impacted by the conflict and are seeking to build a new life in Manitoba.
We are working closely with our government partners in immigration, as well as with The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Jewish Child and Family Service, the Ukrainian Congress of Manitoba and other Jewish agencies to coordinate our efforts in this endeavor. We will leverage our network of Jewish agencies to provide a range of services to those arriving—from financial aid and housing, to help securing employment and mental health supports.
We ask you to consider making a donation today as more help will be needed to meet this monumental challenge.
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Gustavo Zentner
President
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Elaine Goldstine
Chief Executive Officer
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