Ukrainian Relief- A message from Rabbi David Glickman

February 24, 2022 - March 24, 2022, 12:00 am

Our Hearts Cry for Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the most serious act of war and violation of national sovereignty in Europe in decades. We have members of our congregation who still remember the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovokia in 1968, the Soviet-led suppression of the Hungarian uprising in 1956, and the Nazi’s decimation of Europe in WWII.

We, as a Jewish people, have experienced more war than practically any people in world history. There have been Jewish civilians (and soldiers) present during nearly every conflict in European history since our expulsion from the land of Israel. Those of us with Eastern European roots know how our ancestors may have stayed in the same city or town for centuries. Many of these towns changed countries numerous times due to war and the changes in national borders. So, we have empathy for victims of war deep in our spiritual DNA.

Today, Ukraine is home to one of Europe’s largest diaspora communities. Ukraine has a rich Jewish history and a vibrant Jewish present. The founder of Hasidism, the Ba’al Shem Tov, as well as Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, the Twersky Rabbinic dynasty, and the ancestors of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel all hail from Ukraine. Today there are over 200,000 Jews in Ukraine. Though Chabad is an enormous presence in Ukraine, there are other orthodox sects as well as Masorti (Conservative) and Reform groups as well. Members of the Kansas City Jewish community have deep personal roots in Ukraine, and other have worked and studied there.

Please add action to our constant prayers for peace. The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City is our community’s central address for combined Jewish charitable giving. The Federation system’s partner in Eastern Europe is the Joint Distribution Committee which is already working toward the health and safety of Ukraine’s Jewish Community. The link below is Kansas City’s specific link for donations to help Jews in Ukraine. 100% of donations at this site will go toward relief efforts in Ukraine.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE TO RELIEF IN UKRAINE

We pray that peace will be soon at hand. Shabbat Shalom.