New York, NY (March 29, 2022) – With a scarcity of kosher Passover food in Ukraine, UJA-Federation of New York worked with four local synagogues to collect 12,000 pounds of holiday food that will be distributed to Jews remaining in Ukraine as well as Jewish refugees who have been forced to flee. Food was collected at synagogues in Long Island, Westchester, and Manhattan on Sunday, March 27, and packed on Monday, March 28, by Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, for shipment to Ukrainian Jewish communities.    

"During this period of dramatic upheaval, it’s particularly important for the Jews of Ukraine to be able to have a Passover seder, access kosher food, and feel the warm embrace of the global Jewish community,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.    

UJA is working with the Orthodox Union, World of Giving/Olam Chesed, Agudath Israel of America, and Vaad Hatzalah for Ukrainian Jewry to deliver the holiday food to Ukraine and surrounding countries housing refugees.    

Synagogues participating in the food drive include Kehilath Jeshurun of Manhattan, the Young Israel of Great Neck, the Young Israel of Woodmere, and Westchester Reform Temple.   

Information on UJA’s work in Ukraine and grantmaking can be found here:   ujafedny.org/ukraine-crisis.    

About UJA-Federation of New York 

Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. Every year, UJA provides approximately $180 million in grants. In addition, to date UJA has provided over $8 million in Ukraine-related emergency funding. For more information, please visit ujafedny.org.