Your Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ continues to provide critical support to Cherkassy, Ukraine, as the ongoing war intensifies. Cherkassy, located in central Ukraine, is enduring relentless attacks, with daily alarms for rockets and drones disrupting daily life. Children attend school under challenging conditions, often studying in unheated shelters for extended periods.
Federation’s Ongoing Commitment
In April 2022, the Federation Board allocated $106,000 from Ukraine Emergency funds to support Cherkassy. Of this, $50,000 remains designated for use in the region. In May 2024, the Board approved the use of all remaining Ukraine Emergency funds—$53,665 in total—for emerging needs related to the war, both locally and abroad. Decisions regarding these funds are made by a committee comprising the UAC Chair, another UAC member, and the Chief Planning Officer, with final approval by the Board President and Executive VP/CEO.
Partnership with Cherkassy
Greater MetroWest has a longstanding partnership community relationship with Cherkassy. On December 3, 2024, Michal Zur met with Evgeny Skepto, the JDC Hesed Director in Cherkassy, and other JDC colleagues to discuss the urgent needs of the community.
Escalating Needs and a Call for Winter Support
With the approach of winter, the JDC Hesed in Cherkassy has outlined immediate priorities and requested $35,000 of the designated Cherkassy funding to address these needs:
- Support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): 32 Jewish families and one additional family in the region, displaced from other parts of Ukraine, require urgent assistance with rent, clothing, and food. Many face significant economic challenges, with heating costs alone reaching $150 per month, while the average family income is only $250. Assistance aims to help families remain within the Cherkassy community, fostering stability amidst the crisis.
- Winter Clothing for Children: 14 children from displaced families need essential winter clothing to endure the harsh season.
- Support for Elderly Residents: 227 elderly individuals, not classified as Nazi victims, require food and utility assistance.
- Expansion of the Hibuki Resilience Program: This initiative provides training and implementation of resilience programs for children affected by the war.
Federation remains steadfast in our mission to support vulnerable populations in Cherkassy and beyond, ensuring that urgent needs are met during this critical time.