As Ukraine continues to resist Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Jewish community has emerged as a vital source of resilience, offering humanitarian aid, spiritual guidance, and international advocacy. From grassroots initiatives within Ukraine to coordinated efforts across the globe, Jewish organizations and leaders have united to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis, reinforcing the nation’s struggle for sovereignty and the well-being of its people.
Mobilizing Global and Local Jewish Networks
The Jewish Federation system has been instrumental in the international response to Ukraine’s crisis. Eric Fingerhut, president of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), highlighted the community’s robust support mechanisms, stating, “The Jewish communal infrastructure of support and rescue has been tested these past few years more seriously than any time since WWII.” JFNA has raised and distributed $96.1 million for Ukraine, directly impacting tens of thousands of lives. These funds have assisted 180,000 Ukrainians in finding refuge in the United States, while 91,925 individuals have made aliyah to Israel since the onset of Russia’s invasion.
On the ground, JFNA supports initiatives led by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which provides ongoing care to over 41,000 Jews, including the elderly, the impoverished, and the displaced. This assistance encompasses the distribution of essentials such as food, medicine, and water, as well as offering homecare and evacuation services. Currently, JDC is also aiding 3,479 internally displaced individuals, ensuring support extends across all age groups.
The humanitarian response by Jewish communities transcends borders. European organizations, such as HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), have collaborated with Jewish communities in Poland, Slovakia, and Moldova to establish critical refugee support systems. In Poland, HIAS partnered with Jewish leadership in Warsaw to create a Crisis Management Group that facilitates transportation, housing, and relocation for displaced Ukrainians. Similarly, Slovakia and Moldova, despite their small Jewish populations, have transformed into logistical hubs for refugees seeking safety in the European Union.
Leadership Under Fire: Local Jewish Leaders in Action
Jewish leaders within Ukraine have remained steadfast in their commitment to their communities, often operating under perilous conditions. Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, stands out as a key figure in Ukraine’s Jewish humanitarian response. With decades of experience, including his leadership in Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl mission and the establishment of the Anatevka refuge for displaced families, Rabbi Azman has been at the forefront of delivering aid to liberated territories in eastern and southern Ukraine.
His work has not been without risk. During a humanitarian mission to Kherson following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in 2023, Rabbi Azman narrowly escaped a shelling attack, highlighting the dangerous reality faced by those providing aid amidst the ongoing conflict. Nevertheless, his unwavering dedication underscores the resilience of local Jewish leadership and their indispensable role in supporting Ukraine’s most vulnerable populations.
Another exemplary leader, Rabbi Liron Edry, head of the Association of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and the Jewish community of Kryvyi Rih, has demonstrated extraordinary coordination and commitment. Under his direction, partnerships with organizations like the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS, Agudat Israel Europe, and the Israeli Friends of Ukraine foundation have delivered nearly 400 tons of essential supplies to Ukraine. These collaborations reflect an extensive network of support, extending from international donors to local logistics teams responsible for moving aid from border crossings to distribution centers within Ukraine.
“We are fortunate to have many generous partners,” Rabbi Edry noted. “Organizations like Agudat Israel and individuals such as Moshe Morgenstein have made invaluable contributions, including funding emergency transport and medical aid for those in critical need.” Morgenstein’s efforts, which include financing medical evacuations and donating emergency vehicles, were recognized at the Rosenthal Center in Washington, D.C., acknowledging his global philanthropic impact.
Sustaining Communities Through Unity and Tradition
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Jewish leaders have worked to preserve cultural and spiritual traditions, ensuring their communities remain cohesive and hopeful. These efforts are not merely symbolic but form a crucial element of the broader humanitarian response. Cultural preservation fosters a sense of continuity and identity that strengthens community bonds, providing emotional resilience alongside material aid.
During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Rabbi Edry hosted Chief Rabbi Azman in Kryvyi Rih—a significant visit marking the first such occasion in a decade. The event included the donation of medical equipment to Kryvyi Rih’s Third Municipal Hospital, a critical contribution to the rehabilitation of military personnel and the treatment of civilians.
In December, the celebration of Hanukkah provided another opportunity to reinforce solidarity. Thousands of menorahs and holiday kits were distributed to Jewish families, underscoring the community’s determination to maintain its identity and traditions even amid hardship. Chabad’s Jewish Relief Network Ukraine played a leading role, ensuring that spiritual nourishment complemented the material aid delivered throughout the country.
Historical Legacy and Modern Unity
The unity between Ukraine’s Jewish and non-Jewish populations is especially notable given the historical context. Throughout Ukraine’s history, the Jewish community has faced periods of hardship, including instances of antisemitism that mirror broader European trends. However, in recent decades, Ukraine has emerged as a nation where Jewish cultural and religious life thrives. Post-independence, Ukraine has become a beacon of religious freedom in the region, contrasting sharply with Russia’s record of state-driven antisemitism.
This transformation underscores the significance of the Jewish community’s current contributions. While Russia attempts to weaponize antisemitism in its disinformation campaigns, surveys show that Ukraine has among the