Local Jewish Leaders to Help Ukraine Relief Efforts in Poland
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Three local Jewish leaders will travel to Poland to help aid relief efforts following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Lisa Long, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation financial resource development director, and Nancy Burnett, Jewish Community Relations Council advisory board chair, will travel to Poland April 1. They will return April 5.
“We watched in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine,” Long said. “One month after the beginning of the invasion, civilian and military deaths continue to mount. Millions of Ukrainians, including tens of thousands of Jews, are still attempting to flee the country.”
Long and Burnett will meet with Federation partner agencies working with refugees, visit the Ukraine/Poland border to learn about needs, and deliver much needed medical supplies.
Monetary donations and donations of over the counter medications are being accepted. Visit JewishYoungstown.org to donate. Over the counter medications may be delivered to the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane before April 1.
Rabbi Paula Jayne Winnig, Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom Interim Rabbi, will join a rabbinic mission to Krakow, Poland, from April 9 through April 14. She will assist workers aiding Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border.
“For as long as I can remember, I have seen photos of tens of thousands of refugees trudging across our planet seeking shelter and relief from war, famine, and other natural disasters,” she said. “The years might have been different, the locations diverse, and the ethnicity of the people varied. However, one thing has always distinguished these photos from all the others, the look of despair in their eyes as they desperately sought a safe haven and a secure home for themselves and their families.”
Rabbi Winnig is seeking donations to help aid the newest group of refugees flooding the borders of European countries seeking safety from the Russian troops advancing on Ukraine. A list of items needed can be found HERE. As the amount of items that can be carried on the trip is limited, monetary donations are particularly desired. Donations may be made at OhevBethSholom.org/donate. Choose Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund on the drop down menu. For more information call 330 744 5001.
As the Russian invasion into Ukraine continues, the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation salutes all the heroic and tireless efforts of the valiant professionals who are delivering critical assistance to the Jewish community in its hour of need. To help aid their efforts, the Federation allocated $35,000 for the Ukraine relief effort. Additional funds are being raised by community members.
Photo by Markus Spiske
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
