PKI Continues to Provide Emergency Support in Israel
Project Kesher Israel (PKI) continues to respond to the emergency needs of Russian-speaking immigrants and refugees who’ve been displaced and/or traumatized by the Iranian attacks. Staff members report that members of its network are not receiving government help and, without financial assistance to cover the costs of hotels, are resorting to sleeping in parking lots. The continued bombings, lack of sleep due to nonstop sirens and explosions, and isolation with in-person gatherings forbidden are all exacerbating individuals’ emotional distress. And those who were fortunate enough to gather excess food and supplies are running low on essentials.
In response, PKI is staying in constant contact with its network and advocating for them at the highest level. CEO Rabbi Olya Weinstein, board member Margarita Slavkin, partner and attorney Nicole Maor, and the head of the LGBTQ project Anna Talisman all participated in the aliya and integration committee of the Knesset over Zoom, led by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv. They discussed the heightened vulnerability of new immigrants and refugees during this critical time, and emphasized the importance of improving language access to Israeli municipal services, which would help them temporarily relocate, gain government benefits and continue on the path toward citizenship.
Meanwhile in Tel Aviv, Anna Talisman, MSW, head of PKI’s LGBTQ support program, visited a hotel housing numerous members of its network and learned directly about individuals’ most urgent needs. Board member and former Member of the Knesset Ksenia Svetlova took time away from her regular appearances on the Israeli news to lead a Zoom session for the PKI network in Russian about the geopolitical situation. In addition, Rabbi Weinstein and Sofia Axelrod, Jewish educator and the PKI coordinator of the Women’s group in Ramat Gan, led a virtual Kabbalat shabbat for all PKI participants, discussing the weekly Torah portion “Shlach.” Rabbi Weinstein also spoke virtually at a Shabbat service at Town and Village synagogue in New York City, detailing the support the organization provides to some of Israel’s most vulnerable residents.
Our emergency fund continues to collect donations for these efforts. Please help if you can.