3/14/2022 Jewish Ukrainian War Update
I landed in Israel on Feb. 28 to a whirlwind of activity. (The war in Ukraine started on February 24.) My entire itinerary; which was set weeks ago, as part of my regular visits was changed so I could meet with leaders and partners in Israel.
Here is the latest:
Romania
We decided to purchase a mini-van in Romania after learning that due to the configuration of concrete barriers at certain border crossings it is very difficult for larger buses to maneuver the tight twists and turns. Mini-vans are a very effective way to transport refugees to shelters so we sent the requested money to buy a van.
We also learned that a Messianic Pastor/Rabbi in Israel, who we have worked with for many years, was sending a team of four to Moldova. All had the language skills and asked the Joseph Project to help financially. We agreed to strategically partner with them and pay half of all the costs needed now and in the coming days; the initial funds were wired Monday. This is in addition to the funds sent to support our own Director of Joseph Project/Social
Poland
This week we recruited three volunteers, one of them a pharmacist, we recruited them because we saw that there is a great shortage of first aid drugs in Lublin’s shelter, there is a very large refugee reception area. we sent them today with very large suitcases medicines and hygiene products I hope that already this evening it will arrive at the shelter in Lublin, Poland.God is so good. Please pray for us!
Preparing Aid in Israel for Arriving Jewish Refugees
At the same time we are working here in Israel to be ready as the refugees from the Ukraine war arrive in Israel. This week we have pre-positioned thousands of items; the list of essentials was given to us by Israeli Government Emergency Team officials earlier this week. A huge thanks goes to the Israeli companies who donated aid in the past few days. We were told baby food will be high on the list, this cannot be imported; however, we have had a strong relationship with one of Israel’s largest supermarket chains; so we will be ready.
More Strategic Aid Partners
Harvest of Israel in Tennessee just committed to sending four additional containers and Jezreel International just shipped another 40 foot container and says more will be on the way. These goods will add at least another $1 million dollars in emergency aid for those Jewish people arriving as refugees.
Hank Rich
Chairman-Joseph Project Israel Board of Directors
www.josephproject.org
It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again a second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left… (Is. 11:11)
How you can help!
The Jewish refugees of Ukraine need our help right now. Shmuel Salway, Joseph Project Executive Director in Israel, has shared that the immediate and urgent need is $75,000 which is to secure and pay for aid as they come across the borders of Ukraine and also assist them with further aid once they have arrived in Israel. We are stepping out in faith to secure this aid of which them cost is not in our budget. Your support and prayers are critical.