Ever since there was a JRA, there were Ukrainian refugees who needed our help. For over 21 years, we've taken care of our Ukrainian neighbors in Philadelphia, but now, we must support the individuals and families who are trapped in the middle of an unimaginable crisis that doesn't feel so far from home.
The first executive director of JRA, Rabbi Gedaliah Lowenstein, has a sister (Aliza Silberstein) whose family had been working in Chernihiv, Ukraine for over 12 years. "This was their calling, this was their passion," said Lowenstein. "They desperately wanted to help people for who there were no other Jewish resources."
When the Russian army began to invade Ukraine, Rabbi Yisroel and Aliza sheltered dozens of people in their Chabad Center, helped feed hungry families, and helped others escape the country. When the bombs started falling all around them, the couple, with their 9 children, knew they had to get out. They traveled for over 50 hours to Moldova, where they boarded a plane to Miami, one piece of luggage in tow. For the family of 11, getting out was a miracle, but their work did not end with their escape.
The Silberstein family is continuing their work to help families stuck in Chernihiv by coordinating and funding the supply of food and assistance to those sheltering in their Chabad Center. They are also assisting families trying to get out of the city through their networks around the world.
They can't do it alone.
Please support their efforts in helping those who remain and rescuing those desperately trying to escape. Funds to help with emergency supplies, basic necessities, including food and other resources, are needed at this time.
