The purpose of this blog is to promote some brotherly and sisterly love at the Shabbat table and beyond....please forward to someone who may enjoy, and of course print and share at your own.
As tempting as it is to follow last week's Ukrainian-Jewish history lesson with some politics, this is not going to be about politics.
That said, I'm going to quote a political scientist.
Six-and-a-half years ago, Professor John Mearsheimer (University of Chicago) spoke about Ukraine, explaining how the US/Allies completely misunderstand Russia, about how things might turn out, and basically warns about exactly what's happening today. (Worth watching the entire thing but if you don't have time, start around 30:00).
He predicts, "If the US and Europe take Route A, then conflict can possibly be avoided, but if they take Route B then Russia will try to destroy Ukraine. And they're not going to take Route A."
Question for your table: if the powers-that-be won't listen to an eminent professor from the University of Chicago, what can an average person hope to do here?
For you and me, this isn't about politics, it's about our fellow Jews. It's pretty simple.
Here's some of them in a bomb shelter in Kiyv. Could've been your parents or grandparents.
Here's some who are orphans.
Yet then there's this comment seen on Reddit:
Ukraine was still paving its streets with Jewish tombstones until 2013:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/lviv-to-stop-using-jewish-tombs-as-pavement/amp/
Ukraine's Jew-themed restaurant, where you wear fake payot and haggle over prices:
https://www.haaretz.com/amp/food/a-queasy-dinner-at-lviv-s-jewish-eatery-1.5426688
There are many reasons why I side with Ukraine in this conflict but allegedly being less antisemitic than Russia is absolutely not one of them.
Bottom line, it's tough to be a Ukrainian Jew right now.
There are many ways to help. Many local federations are sending emergency care packages. Or you can give money directly to the local Ukrainian Chabad programs who are doing so much to aid their communities, including Rabbi Wolfe in Odessa.
Or the Krakow JCC who are taking care of Ukrainian refugees.
As I wrote last week, United Hatzolah of Ukraine is asking us to help - they need funds for medical supplies now. Here's the link. Or here.
As I said last week, even if you give a small amount, every name added to the list also gives them tremendous chizuk (encouragement).
In addition to those specifically Jewish causes, there are some general aid options; the following comes from source I trust:
As a former Ukrainian refugee with personal connections to those who are currently in Ukraine or on the border, I can personally vouch for and highly recommend these three families who are actively helping in Ukraine:
1. Agape International/Fedorchuk family. They (and many of their volunteers) are still physically in Ukraine helping orphanages and kids/families stuck in bomb shelters. They risk their lives in search of food, clean water and medicine. More info about their work can be found here. They just transported 50 people to safety yesterday! Here is a link for ways to donate: http://agapeua.com/
2. Alina Khimich + Family. They are currently at the Ukraine/Polish border working 13 hour shifts to receive refugees. They have their young daughter with them who is handing out stuffed animals to the kids. I personally know this family. They set up a Venmo account for these efforts here: @alina-khimich. Please note "for Ukraine" in the memo box.
3. Pavlovich family. They are helping the elderly that have been left behind. Their updates are on Instagram @teepavlovich. Donations via Venmo: @Tatyana-Pavlovich
Question for your table.... Tip O'Neill famously said "all politics is local;" what about chased (lovingkindness) - is all chesed local?
Shabbat Shalom
PPS - This week's 8-minute podcast is called "Time for a Review?" and there are 10 ways to hear it:
iTunes/iPhone … YidPod … Spotify … Google Podcasts … Pocketcasts … Stitcher … Podbean … Amazon Podcasts … RSS … or just on the web.
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