Project Kesher Ukraine has made major progress helping women and families on the ground in Ukraine, even in the last few days. We managed to get money (cash) to staff members in 3 different locations around Ukraine, and they are getting cash to women and vulnerable Jewish families in Ukraine for immediate needs. PKU staff have reached out to the entire network of leaders in 42 cities across Ukraine to assist women. The first 25 grants have been made and the personal stories and their words of appreciation are being gathered for a detailed report.

In the meantime, we have given out over $7,000 in these emergency mini grants and we are sending another $10,000 to our staff in western Ukraine, where many refugees from the Jewish communities in Kyiv, Krivi Rhi, Kharkiv and Chernigiv seem to be finding safe shelter and each other. Of the 25 grants that have been made thus far, more than half remain in Ukraine. Their needs include housing, food and medicine for Ukrainians that are sheltering in place, meals for refugees in all locations, diapers and formula for babies and moms. We have 2 single mothers with children with disabilities who asked for support and at least 5 families caring for elderly relatives in this first group. In the last 24 houra alone we have learned of many families that just lost their homes to bombings, and they will not only be needing a place to live, but lost all of their belongings, including clothing and essentials.

Last but certainly not least, our staff has learned of a Jewish travel agent in Kyiv that is using his buses to evacuate 60 people a day. It will cost around $2,000 a day to support these buses and Project Kesher has committed to 10 days in the meantime.

This is how our network works, and no matter what happens next we will continue to maintain our grassroots connections and help Ukrainian Jews wherever they are. This is all to say that Project Kesher is proud to be your partner in serving both the immediate and long term needs that arise.

Thank you for your support.