News & Impact

See our Ukraine response resources > “Morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings…In a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” —Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel z”l Since the start of the invasion, more than 10.5 million Ukrainians have had to flee their homes, with more than 4 million—primarily women, children, and elderly—seeking refuge outside the country. Experts estimate more than half of Ukrainian children have been uprooted. In the wake of this pain, our community has come together to send help and hope. Thank you! Updates on… Read More

As the devastation of the war in Ukraine grew, Dr. Yuri Veber felt compelled to help. Yuri and his wife, Mila, both were born in Kyiv and immigrated to the United States. Following the growing refugee crisis and watching the destruction of homes and whole neighborhoods has been heart-rending. Realizing he could use his professional expertise to raise funds and heighten awareness, Yuri planned a special clinic day. His periodontal practice contacted referring dentists with this offer: Patients who had to pay out-of-pocket for needed periodontal services could receive treatment for free. In place of payment, patients would be invited… Read More

  “The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.” —Eli Wiesel Thank you for your outpouring of generosity! We are grateful for your donations to JFCS’ Emergency Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine Relief, your offers of assistance, and your thousands of shares on social media. Together, we are working to ensure there is critical aid for so many people in this time of tragedy and heartbreak.   Updates from Our Partners in the Trenches To date more than 3 million people—primarily women, children, and elderly—have had to flee from their homes. Through JFCS’ Emergency Humanitarian Fund, individuals arriving… Read More

When Amelia, age 12, started expressing anxiety about her social status, her mother, Dana, became concerned. Amelia felt that everyone had more friends, more fun, and better life than hers. All based on what she saw on social media. Dana knew she needed help after her daughter began to present a fake life in her social media posts. Amelia refused to go to a therapist’s office, but was amenable when JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth (CCY) told her teletherapy was an option. The preteen is now making headway with managing her social anxiety. Experts at CCY report that anxiety… Read More

When the invasion of Ukraine began, Andrii Blyzenko immediately thought of his mother and younger brother. Fearing the worst, he contacted JFCS Legal Services for advice on ways to bring his loved ones to safety. JFCS has been resettling Jews from the former Soviet Union for decades and is one of the largest centers for emigre resettlement in the United States. Andrii’s connection to JFCS dates back to when he arrived in San Francisco from Odesa several years ago. His father, also received legal services from JFCS when he came to the US, and then turned to us for help… Read More

Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people whose lives have been shattered by the invasion. JFCS thanks our community for mobilizing quickly and showing an outpouring of support to help deliver funds that provide food and emergency aid inside Ukraine and refugee assistance in other countries. We are working closely with our colleagues there on the ground. Additionally, JFCS can offer legal assistance if desired, helping to reunite refugees with relatives here in Bay Area, in Israel, or in other countries. As the need for aid continues, there are several ways that you can help. Donate to JFCS Double… Read More