Ukraine Crisis

Help Support Rabbi Akselrads’s Trip to Poland and Ukrainian Border

 Our hearts continue to break as we witness the pain and horror of war across Ukraine. Refugees are streaming into neighboring countries and the humanitarian crisis is mounting. Many organizations whose primary mission may not have been centered around supporting refugees have turned their full attention to this urgent need. Among these organizations is the JCC (Jewish Community Center) of Krakow in Poland. The JCC of Krakow has pivoted in this moment to aid, house, and feed Ukrainian refugees and is spending thousands of dollars a day doing so. In coordination with the JCC of Krakow along with the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis), IMPJ (Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism), WUPJ (World Union for Progressive Judaism), and J2 Adventures (our Reform movement's travel partner), I will be joining a rabbinic delegation to Poland and the Ukrainian border April 10-14 to partner with on-the-ground refugee aid organizations and those doing that work, including the JCC of Krakow.

This rabbinic delegation is traveling to the region as an active show of support from both the American and the Jewish communities and will respond to the pastoral needs of individuals and families yanked out of their homes and support systems. We will be relieving volunteers who are caring for the physical needs of so many human beings in crisis. Traveling to the Ukrainian border will allow me to serve as a sacred witness to this horrific conflict. I will report back in real time when I am able to and of course, sharing more when I return at a special service on April 22nd. I am committing to using this experience to lift up the voices of those that I meet and to raise funds for the continued care of the vulnerable.

Those who wish to donate items can do so by dropping off items in the Temple office during business hours by April 6. I will be taking a couple of duffle bags worth of supplies over as excess baggage. Additional items that are collected that can not be transported on this trip will be donated to local charities. Each participant has signed up for specific things to bring.  Here are the items I am responsible for:  

-Pain management medicine/anti-inflammatory for adults and children

-Vitamins D and C for children

-Medicine for stomach pains and anti-diarrhea

In addition, we are collecting funds through Congregation Ner Tamid where 100% of those funds will go directly to the refugee efforts through the JCC of Krakow. Please use the below form to make a donation.