Ukraine Relief Efforts
A network of Project Kesher-trained activists has been hard at work around the clock supporting Ukraine’s relief efforts, working in partnership with Jewish and non-Jewish leaders throughout cities in Ukraine who have stayed back to help. Two senior PK leaders are part of an anonymous network that identifies contacts in each city, even the most war torn, and helps arrange food, evacuations, and humanitarian aid. This work is being done person to person, woman to woman, friend to friend, and it is facilitating the evacuation of thousands. Just one example of this network’s impact:
A Kyiv-based Jewish travel agent and longtime associate of a PK leader is now using his buses to evacuate Ukrainians from the bombarded city. These buses, supported by Project Kesher have been making evacuation trips for the last 2.5 weeks and have moved 700 people to safety. There is no charge to the passengers and Project Kesher is covering fuel and the cost of the driver. On the bus pictured here from a few days ago, the oldest rider was 90 and the youngest was 5 days old. This week the number of people leaving Kyiv has stabilized. Accordingly, PK connected the travel agent to a number of grassroots evacuation groups, so as to maximize each trip. This will likely mean going into areas that have more conflict and assist specialized groups like orphanages.
Across Europe and the region, young people, and yes, young Jewish leaders, are using their networks to save lives. When a woman needs Chemo for Breast Cancer after evacuating Kyiv and arriving in Bulgaria, a PK-trained leader can help her. Our youngest leaders in Ukraine are helping vulnerable people evacuate and find safe haven, rest, and food on their journeys between places. We will support this work as long as it is needed.