Progressive Jewish Rabbi Alexander Dukhovny from Kiev (click on image for video)
Rabbi Alexander Dukhovny sent this video about fighting the evil of Russia and trying to protect Progressive Jewish values in Ukraine. He said this is being done, as “the children of G-d fighting for our life and democracy”. He has implored us to donate generously to the WUPJ Ukraine Crisis Fund, through the Progressive Appeal here in Australia.
ARZA AUSTRALIA, the UPJ and PJV have joined together in support of the PROGRESSIVE APPEAL FOR THE UKRAINE CRISIS FUND. PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY.
It has been reported on CNN that Russian forces are shooting civilians despite the false claims to the contrary by the Russian leader.
Meanwhile, the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the Jewish Agency and KKL, the Jewish National Fund, are working enormously hard to bring the Jews of Ukraine to Israel, with teams at border checkpoints to assist refugees. Essentials are also being transported to Ukraine check points and refugee camps. The Jewish Agency reports that thousands are expected to make Aliyah from Ukraine. It is estimated that 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine. This could be the tip of the iceberg.
There are reports that the United States is working to provide fighter airpower to Ukraine through Poland. We hope this comes to fruition. Australia is also sending much-needed provisions and defence support to Ukraine.
Today I received a message from Israel with a quote from Natan Sharansky (with his permission) I would like to bring to you because it is so poignant. He said, “Growing up in Ukraine some 70 years ago if “Jewish” was written in your ID, you knew you were in trouble, not only when applying to university… 75 years later, it is completely the opposite… people are trying to find any remote connection – knowing that belonging to the Jewish people means hope, a future (and) a passport to freedom”.
Finally, Rabbi Gary Robuck gave special recognition to the Jewish President of Ukraine in his drash at TBI this week. In referring to President Zelensky he commented that he thought the many pictures taken of him made him “more relatable, more commanding, more presidential. President Zelensky’s defiant words have awakened the soul of Europe, lifted the spirits, bolstered the courage and quelled the concerns of his people while at the same time, rallying international support for his besieged country and defending democracy”. Rabbi Gary Robuck, March 5, 2022.
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Helen Shardey OAM
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President