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Ukrainian Jews Arriving

April 27, 2022

Since the war started in Ukraine, Bridges for Peace has been at work partnering with Christians in Ukraine and the surrounding nations as well as Israeli governmental bodies. We have concentrated on rescuing Jewish people and helping fly them to Israel, providing food to those in need and helping fund an Israeli field hospital. We are still involved in all these endeavors, as the situation remains dire.

We have partnered with Keren HaYesod, a quasi-governmental organization to help fly the Ukrainian Jews home. A few days ago, Sam Grundwerg, world chairman of Keren HaYesod, called me and thanked me for our help, saying that together we are literally saving lives.

They Arrive with Nothing

These Ukrainian Jews arrive in Israel in a traumatized state. They often have nothing more than a small bag and the clothes on their back. They are women, children and older people. The men and teens are still in Ukraine, fighting a war that nobody wanted. Their faces reflect great weariness and emotional pain. None of these women know if or when they will become widows. Plane after plane lands at Ben Gurion Airport, and every flight is as I described. Now they are being sent to temporary homes in towns all across Israel.

We are getting requests for help from many places. The city of Karmiel just sent an urgent request for blankets, sheets, towels and computers (five to be shared by 300 people) so they can communicate with their loved ones. We immediately gave our complete inventory of blankets.

The city of Jerusalem has received thousands of new immigrants, and we are helping them as they enter apartments. We are providing blankets, pots and pans and other practical items as requested.

We Need Your Help

Please stand with us to meet their basic needs. In three weeks, over 15,000 new immigrants have arrived, but Israel is expecting 100,000 within the next few months. In an average year, about 20,000 immigrants arrive. The Israeli system is not geared to receive 100,000.

We celebrated Purim (Feast of Esther) in Israel in March. During this holiday, the book of Esther is read, and the deliverance of the Jews is celebrated. Today, another group of Jewish people are at risk in Ukraine and also in Russia. Queen Esther was raised up “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). We also have been raised up by God for this time. God has placed Bridges for Peace in the position to meet these needs. All we need is the funds to do these righteous, practical deeds. Join us today as we help rescue these Jewish refugees and help them get settled in Israel. Your gift to our Immigrant Welcome Gifts program will make it possible for us to say yes to the many requests we are receiving every day.

With a sad heart,
Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO

Photo Credit: Israeli field hospital