From: Koen Carlier, Christians for Israel – Ukraine
The situation in eastern Ukraine, which borders Russia, is increasingly tense. Will there be a new escalation? We are trying to prepare as best we can for various scenarios – including the worst-case scenarios.
Not a pleasant title to describe the current situation in Ukraine. But after the visit of Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to Vinnytsia on January 20th, we have no illusions about the reality around us and are working intensively to do our "homework".
places of refuge
I recently read a report about Holocaust survivor Louis Polak, who hid in 17 different locations during World War II. In doing so, I came across a Bible verse that was previously unknown to me:
“…hide the exiles, do not betray the refugee!” Isaiah 16:3 (Elberfelder).
Who would have thought that this text could regain practical relevance in Ukraine in the near future? In 2014, a war broke out in the pro-Russian separatist region in eastern Ukraine, a war no one had foreseen. The military conflict drove more than 1.5 million Ukrainians to flee into the interior of the country and to the major cities. Since this escalation, approximately 8,000 Jews have stayed at our guesthouse "Shelter" in Kyiv and from there emigrated to Israel.
Dark clouds
Tensions are escalating again in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the border region with Russia. Will the situation escalate? If so, when and to what extent? We cannot answer these questions at the moment. But it is hard to miss the dark clouds gathering over the "land of the north," and it doesn't look like they will dissipate anytime soon. The prophet Zechariah speaks plainly about this: "Flee from the land of the north! (...) Escape to Zion," Zechariah 2:10-11 (Luther Bible).
uncertainty
Are Ukrainians deeply worried about the tensions in the east? Yes and no. For many citizens, everyday life is already so challenging that it often demands their full attention. During the cold months, many are preoccupied with how to pay their next heating bill (energy prices are sometimes higher than the Western average).
But the threat is omnipresent in the news, especially for the elderly, who hardly ever leave the house and spend many hours in front of the television. Everyone is wondering what they would do in an emergency, where they could go should the situation spiral out of control. Many are questioning to what extent the Ukrainian armed forces would be able to provide effective protection for their citizens. There are plenty of examples of looting and assassinations from the recent years of the war since 2014.
Return and food aid on site
Many Ukrainian Jews have already made sure they have the necessary documents for a possible departure. Those who had planned their aliyah (emigration to Israel) for this year will try to expedite the process. In the meantime, we continue to do what is our mission: helping Ukrainian Jews prepare for their departure to Israel in many practical ways. At the same time, we are providing material assistance on the ground.
Through the Jewish communities, we support more than 1,200 needy Holocaust survivors and Jewish seniors with personalized sponsorships. Our food packages benefit needy Jewish seniors, but often also Jewish families with children who have become impoverished. "Meals on Wheels" is provided to those who can no longer leave their homes. In 2014, it suddenly became difficult to obtain larger quantities of food. We experienced the same thing at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis when a large order was blocked by the wholesaler and only released after arduous negotiations.
We want to avoid such shortages as much as possible and are therefore stockpiling larger food reserves. We hope to pack 12,000 food parcels in the coming weeks and distribute them as needed in the southeastern regions of Ukraine. Volunteers from local Christian communities are helping us with the packing. Of course, the long distances and the current difficult weather conditions must be taken into account during delivery.
For many needy, mostly elderly Jews in Ukraine, the food parcels are not only a great material help, but also a great emotional encouragement – knowing that they are not alone in these difficult times. Seeing the smiles on their faces motivates us to continue.
More pictures of our aid project in Ukraine can be found here: www.christenenvoorisrael.nl
Support options
With a monthly sponsorship of €25, you can help a Holocaust survivor or elderly Jewish person in Ukraine make ends meet. Reference: Holocaust Survivor Ukraine (Sponsorship Program). Our staff will ensure that those in need receive food, medicine, and heating supplies. You will receive a short biography of the person you are supporting.
Or you can make a one-time donation – reference "Food Project Ukraine" – to fund food parcels for €10 or "Meals on Wheels" – both are packed locally and delivered to those in need through the Jewish communities. With your help, we can let elderly orphans and widows "taste and see" that they are not forgotten and bring hope to their hungry hearts.
We, as members of the nations, have a historic opportunity today to "help" God in fulfilling His plan of salvation for Israel. Help carry His beloved people home in your arms, in minibuses and airplanes, in your hearts and prayers. The support package for one person (assistance with paperwork, transportation to the consulate and airport) costs approximately €135; reference: Aliyah.
Donation options can be found here: www.csi-aktuell.de/spenden
