On Monday. October 16th, JRNU CEO Shlomi Peles participated in a roundtable discussion sponsored by United Jewish Appeal (UJA), in Warsaw, Poland. Rabbi Peles, who was joined by JRNU Chief Operating Officer Judi Garrett, described the current challenges facing the Jews of Ukraine along with new strategies and approaches developed to address the evolving needs. Specifically, Rabbi Peles summarized new mental health/trauma programs, children's programs, security initiatives, and plans for job training/employment opportunities. Rabbi Peles thanked UJA for holding the meeting despite the ongoing tragic situation in Israel, reminding all attendees that the addition of a crisis in Israel does not lessen the need for aid in Ukraine. The people of Ukraine continue to suffer as the war moves into the 20th month.
The roundtable was one of several sessions UJA organized to learn about the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. In addition to Jewish Relief Network Ukraine, other agencies represented at the Ukraine meeting included the Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Agency, World Jewish Relief, and the Federation of Jewish Communities-Ukraine.
From left to right: Rabbi Shlomi Peles (JRNU); Stefan Oscar (JDC); Paul Anticoni (World Jewish Relief); Rebbi Meir Stambler (FJC-U); Eran Berkovich (Jewish Agency); Rabbi Rafael Rutman (FJC-U)
