The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has announced $2 million in grants to five nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working to assist Ukrainian refugees struggling with the effects of the war.

Recipients include Lev Echad, which will create a resilience program in Lviv to strengthen the home front; the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry in Washington, D.C., in support of critical monitoring and reporting work; Tikva Odessa to provide care for vulnerable populations, including Jewish orphans; Latet, which will deliver emergency food and hygiene boxes to new olim (immigrants to Israel) and enable them to focus on job training and study opportunities. In addition, funds were allocated to other NGOs providing critical humanitarian aid to refugees, including JFNA’s core partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel, American Joint Distribution Committee, and World ORT.

Since the war began in February, Jewish Federations have collectively raised $73 million and allocated $61 million for more than 50 NGOs on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Funds raised through the relief campaign for Ukraine also are supporting JFNA’s central volunteer hub, which has placed almost 90 Russian-speaking Jews in volunteer assignments in Poland and Hungary since the initiative was launched in March.

“Though the headlines have dwindled, the humanitarian needs on the ground have continued to rise, and Jewish Federations continue to raise funds to alleviate the tremendous pain and suffering,” said JFNA president and CEO Eric Fingerhut. “Our latest round of allocations continues our commitment to understanding the needs as they change and evolve, and to ensuring that the most vulnerable populations can receive the necessary support and relief.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Marian Vejcik)