We all want to help the Jewish communities and people of Ukraine however we can, but it can be difficult to know what to do. Below are a list of ways to help those who need it.

Donate to one or both of these appeals:

Both organisations are working on the ground to help Jews and non-Jews in Ukraine.

World Union for Progressive Judaism: www.wupj.org/give/ukraine

World Jewish Relief: www.worldjewishrelief.org/ways-to-donate/appeals/1267-ukraine-crisis-appeal

Email your MP:

Email or write to your MP to ask that the Government admit Ukrainian refugees irrespective of whether they have family connections here.

Join the campaign against the Government’s planned Immigration and Borders bill, which will make it harder for refugees to come here. You can find more information via www.safepassage.org.uk.

Offer temporary accommodation for Ukrainian Jews:

If the Government were to allow refugees to come to Britain, would you be able to offer temporary accommodation to a Jewish (or non-Jewish) family or individual?

At this stage it is hypothetical, but we need to have offers ready if visas are suddenly granted so we are collecting names of possible hosts.

There would have to be due process – such as safeguarding and to check your premises are suitable, while you would need to be assured that the guests would stay only for the time you stipulate is possible for you to host them – but now is the time to start collecting people who would be willing to help if required.

We will then work with whatever major Jewish organisation and Government department is taking the lead in dealing with temporary re-rehousing. We often refer to the kindertransport and what a wonderful effort that was, and now may be the time that our generation is called to respond in a similar way.

Please let me know if you would like to be part of this effort by emailing your rabbi or Rabbi Jonathan Romain at rabbi@maidshul.org.

Join Refugee Shabbat on Friday/Saturday:

The horrific scenes in Ukraine, following Russia’s invasion, have made clear the critical necessity of safe, legal routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution. But despite ongoing humanitarian catastrophes in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and many other countries, the Government is pressing forward with its punitive Nationality and Borders Bill.

Refugee Shabbat is this weekend and JCORE have produced a briefing on the Nationality and Borders Bill, the response to Ukraine and situation facing Afghan refugees as a resource for our communities. You can download it here.

Join the LJS on Sunday:

On the day following Refugee Shabbat, The Liberal Jewish Synagogue are holding an event to support each other and friends in the midst of the war against Ukraine.

The LJS is a diverse congregation of members, friends, volunteers and staff. A number have family or close friends in Ukraine and Russia or in surrounding countries.

You are invited to join them via Zoom for a facilitated session to share your fears, your sadness and your anxieties about the situation.

For zoom details please email ceo@liberaljudaism.org.