Four years into the war, daily life in Ukraine remains unpredictable. Over the past several months, intensified missile and drone attacks once again plunged major cities into darkness, interrupting heat and electricity during the coldest weeks of winter and renewing fear for families already living under constant strain.

And still, Jewish life continues—for the approximately 150,000 Jews who remain in Ukraine and for the nearly 20,000 who have made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) since the start of the war.

Some are rebuilding their lives in Israel. Others remain rooted in their communities despite the uncertainty. Our responsibility extends to both.

Through Federation’s global network of partners, and the generosity of our community, individuals and families on both paths.

Providing Care and Connection in Ukraine

Through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Federation’s support strengthens a network of Hesed centers serving vulnerable Jews across Ukraine.

For Lyudmila, a 79-year-old woman in Lviv with serious health conditions, that support means homecare, food assistance, trauma services, and connection to Jewish community.

Since the start of the crisis, nearly 57,000 vulnerable Jews like Lyudmila have received assistance through Hesed centers—essential community lifelines, providing physical warmth, emotional support, and spaces to gather and connect.

Strengthening Jewish Life

Through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), new olim (immigrants) receive support as they integrate into Israeli society and Jewish life and resilience continue in Ukraine even under fire.

Jewish Agency camps in Ukraine last year served more than 800 children and teens, with local and Israeli counselors providing Jewish learning, connection, and support amid the realities of war.

In 2025:

• 16,000+ people participated in Jewish Agency programs.
• More than 80% remained actively engaged, and more than half began preparing for Aliyah.
• An Aliyah Fair in Kyiv welcomed 780 participants in a parking structure adapted as a bomb shelter.
• Camps, family learning programs, and resilience trainings connected hundreds of children, parents, young leaders, and mental health professionals.
• Security grants strengthened nine Jewish institutions.

Our Community Response

Since 2022, more than 3,500 donors across Greater Washington have contributed more than $2.5 million to support Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund. As the crisis has continued, this work is now sustained through our Annual Campaign and the strategic allocations we make to trusted global partners, including JDC and JAFI.

Four years in, this is what showing up looks like.

The needs continue to evolve, and so does our response. Thank you for your continued commitment. Your generosity ensures we can continue providing steady support to those who need it most—in Ukraine, here at home, and wherever Jewish life endures.

Photo credit: JFNA